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

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