Electrodeposited Pt on three-dimensional interconnected graphene as a free-standing electrode for fuel cell application

A three-dimensional interconnected graphene monolith was used<br>as an electrode support for pulsed electrochemical deposition of<br>platinum (Pt) nanoparticles. Pt nanoparticles with well-defined<br>morphology and small size can be obtained by controlling electrodeposition<br>potential and time. Electrochemical characterization<br>was carried out to examine the electrocatalytic activity of this<br>monolithic electrode towards methanol oxidation in acidic media.<br>The results show that the carbon material surface and structure<br>have a strong influence on the Pt particle size and morphology.<br>Compared with the three-dimensional scaffold of carbon fibers,<br>the three-dimensional graphene when used as a free-standing<br>electrode support resulted in much improved catalytic activity for<br>methanol oxidation in fuel cells due to its three-dimensionally<br>interconnected seamless porous structure, high surface area and<br>high conductivity.