Fabrication of 3D interconnected porous MXene-based PtNPs as highly efficient electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation

Herein, we prepare Pt nanoparticles (NPs) attached on 3D porous embossed MXene (e-MXene) (Pt/e-MXene) for enhancing the catalytic performance and stability towards methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). The 3D interconnected porous structure was fabricated by using polystyrene (PS) microspheres as sacrificial template to effectively prevent the restacking of 2D MXene nanosheets for rapid electrical/ionic transport. Combining hydrophilic surface and reducibility of MXene, the Pt NPs were reduced. When applied as catalysts for MOR, the synthesized Pt/e-MXene composites exhibit prominently enhanced performances compared with Pt/e-MXene and JM Pt/C catalysts in terms of electrocatalytic activity and durability. This work opens a new guide on designing aggregation-resistant 3D porous MXene with high-performance in catalysis.

Automated summary

In this study, Pt nanoparticles attached on 3D porous embossed MXene were prepared to enhance the catalytic performance and stability towards methanol oxidation reaction. A 3D interconnected porous structure was fabricated using sacrificial templates to prevent restacking of MXene nanosheets, enabling rapid electrical/ionic transport. The synthesized Pt/e-MXene composites exhibited significantly improved electrocatalytic activity and durability compared to other catalysts, providing a new guide for designing aggregation-resistant 3D porous MXene with high performance in catalysis.