Simple synthesis of N-doped catalysts with controllable Pt–Ni nanoparticles for high-efficiency ethanol oxidation

Abstract

Herein, the catalysts contained metal- and nitrogen-doped carriers were synthesized by a novel and simple method. The synthesized catalysts with different particle size and distribution were controlled by adjusting the ratio of urea and metal salt solution. The morphology, microstructure, and particle distribution of the catalysts were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction. The catalytic performance of the catalysts was tested by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometric i-t curves. It was found that the urea content had an influence on the distribution of metal particles and the size of the nanoparticles. More catalyst active sites were formed on the surface of the catalyst due to that many nitrogen-based functional groups were formed on the surface of the carrier. Compared with other samples, catalyst with urea amount of 100 mg (Pt2Ni3/C–N3 samples) possessed small particle size and uniform distribution, which exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity and stability, and the maximum of forward anodic peak reached 1454 mA mg−1.