Mixed ionic liquids/graphene-supported platinum nanoparticles as an electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation

A kind of mixed ionic liquids (ILs) of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF4],IL1) and hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF6], IL2) was introduced to the functionalization of graphene (GN) nanosheets, which was used to the synthesis of platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) to obtain the Pt/IL1-IL2/GN nanocomposite. The interaction between mixed ILs and GN achieved a stable performance due to the excellent electronic and interfacial property of the fabricated nanocomposites, which was favorable for effective loading of Pt NPs on the IL1-IL2/GN support. The as-prepared Pt/IL1-IL2/GN composites exhibited highly electrocatalytic activity (764.3 mA mg(pt)(-1) at 0.6 V vs. SCE) and stability toward methanol oxidation, demonstrating their promising potential as the anode catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.