The tunable plasma synthesis of Pt-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites

Abstract

Herein, we have developed Pt-plasma reduced graphene oxide (Pt/P-rGO) catalysts displaying high overpotentials for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) through facile and tunable plasma treatments. We provide insight into the improved performance of these catalysts by combining electrochemical measurements with microscopic and spectroscopic characterization techniques. The analysis results showed that the Pt nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully deposited on P-rGO. The deposition and uniformity of Pt NPs were influenced by tuning the discharge power of the plasma. The catalytic performance towards the methanol oxidation reaction is investigated. The Pt/P-rGO NPs composites under 100 W show the best electrocatalytic activity. These results were vital to the further application of graphene-based metal nanocomposites synthesized by plasma technology.