Synthesis of highly dispersive platinum nanoparticles and their application in a hydrogen generation reaction

Abstract

Platinum nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using beta-cyclodextrin and applied as a catalyst in the hydrogen generation reaction of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) and water. The resulting homogenous solution of nanoparticles was characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) while a gravimetric water displacement system was used to measure the amount of hydrogen generated by the reaction. TEM characterization showed nanoparticles ranging in size from 2−4 nanometers in length with an average diameter of 3 nm. Platinum nanoparticles outperformed the uncatalyzed reaction displaying reaction rates as high as 1.30 mL·min-1·mLcat−1 under optimal environmental conditions of 303 K, with 925 μmol concentration of NaBH4 at a standard pH 7. Arrhenius plot calculations revealed an activation energy of 39.2 kJ/mol indicating promise for the future of homogeneous platinum nanoparticles as catalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions.