Ionic liquid-assisted synthesis of Pt nano thin films at toluene–water interface: Enhanced CO tolerance in methanol fuel cells and adsorptive removal of p-nitrophenol from water

Abstract

In this investigation, we report a one-pot method for the synthesis of Pt/ionic liquid nano thin films at organic-aqueous media at room temperature without using any harsh conditions. Synthesized Pt/ionic liquid thin films were characterized with common analytical techniques. Transmission electron microscope images confirmed the formation of spherical particles having a size distribution in the range of 4–12 nm. Ionic liquids have a key role in the control of better size distribution and prevent from agglomeration of nanostructures by preparing a shell around particles. These catalysts were applied for the reduction of toxic p-nitrophenol into non-toxic p-aminophenol and exhibited good catalytic activity. Also, they exhibit excellent CO tolerance in methanol oxidation process of fuel cells. This method provides a novel, rapid, low cost and economical alternative for the reduction of toxic organic pollutants in water and also to prepare high quality catalysts with low metal loading for methanol fuel cells. Pt/1-aminoethyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide exhibits better CO tolerance than Pt/1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium chloride and Pt/1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate thin films.