Preparation of Pt nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes and graphite nanofibers via self-regulated reduction of surfactants and their application as electrochemical catalyst

An in situ synthetic method is reported for preparing and decorating metal nanoparticles at sidewalls of sodium dodecyl sulfate micelle functionalized single wall/multiwall carbon nanotubes and graphite nanofibers. The amount and morphology of Pt nanoparticles depend on the types of carbon nanomaterials (C-NM). The results demonstrate for the attachment of metal nanoparticles to the carbon nanotubes' (CN) surface via non-destructed surfactant modification. These nanocomposites are successfully used as catalysts for oxidation of methanol, the results of which reveal an increase of oxidizing power of Pt/C-NM upon increasing the C-NM diameter. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.