Pt Nanorods Aggregates with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity toward Methanol Oxidation

Abstract

Pt as one of the most promising electrochemical catalysts has attracted much attention because of its superior electrochemical performance. A facile electrochemical route was utilized to synthesize Pt nanorods aggregates at room temperature. The morphologies and structures of the prepared Pt deposits were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrocatalytical activities of Pt nanorods aggregates were evaluated using methanol as model molecules. Pt nanorods aggregates showed highly improved electrocatalytical activity toward methanol oxidation compared with Pt nanoparticles aggregates and commercial Pt. The present method provides a new and facile strategy toward the synthesis of nanorods aggregates of noble metals with extensive applications.