One-Step Synthesis of Hexapod Pt Nanoparticles Deposited on Carbon Black for Improved Methanol Electrooxidation

We report hexapod Pt nanoparticles (Hexa-Pt/C) deposited on carbon black synthesized by means of polyol process in the presence of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) and NO3 and Fe 3+ as additives. The HexaPt/C shows nanosized pods grown along {111} facets observed by transmission electron microscopy. For methanol electrooxidation, the Hexa-Pt/C exhibited much improved electrocatalytic activity and stability due to a particular surface exposure favorable for catalytic reaction in comparison with commercial polycrystalline Pt catalyst.