Pt Nanoparticles Electrochemically Deposited onto Heteroatom-Doped Graphene Supports as Electrocatalysts for ORR in Acid Media

Abstract

Platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) are attached to different single heteroatom-doped (N, S, P, and B) and dual heteroatom-doped (N, B and N, P) graphene nanosheets via electrochemical deposition using the chronoamperometric method, which allowed for strong attachment of the PtNPs onto the support surface. The effect of the support material on the electrocatalytic activity of the PtNPs on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acidic media is examined. The PtNPs supported on boron-doped graphene exhibit the highest specific activity (1.26 mA cm−2), and the PtNPs supported on nitrogen and boron dual heteroatom-doped graphene exhibit the highest mass activity (0.70 A mg−1) at 0.9 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode. The kinetics of the ORR vary significantly depending on the dopants, thus concluding that the heteroatom doping of the graphene support material affects the electrocatalytic activity of PtNPs toward the ORR.