Platinum nanoparticles stabilized by cucurbit[6]uril with enhanced catalytic activity and excellent poisoning tolerance for methanol electrooxidation.

Abstract

Three sub-10 nm platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) with distinctive morphologies were developed by using cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]) as stabilizing agent and support. Both the size and shape of the PtNPs were simultaneously controlled by tuning the reducing agents. The prepared NPs have been comprehensively characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. On account of the presence of CB[6] and its unique structural features, the as-prepared PtNPs are homogeneous in morphologies and exhibit higher activities toward methanol electrooxidation than commercial Pt/C. CB[6] has the ability to bind small molecules that can promote CO oxidation, therefore, all the three PtNPs showed enhanced poisoning tolerance. Such unique abilities of CB[6] can even promote the poisoning tolerance of commercial Pt/C through simple physical mixing.

• Authors: Minna Cao, Dongshuang Wu, Shuiying Gao, Rong Cao
• Journal: Chemistry (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany) (Chemistry) Vol. 18 Issue 41 Pg. 12978-85 (Oct 08 2012) ISSN: 1521-3765 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 22961988 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.