Platinum-Cobalt alloy networks for methanol oxidation electrocatalysis

Three-dimensional (3D) platinum-cobalt alloy networks nanostructures with a high alloying degree were synthesized through a room temperature wet-chemical synthetic method using the K2PtCl4/K3Co(CN)(6) cyanogel as reaction precursor in the absence of surfactants and templates. The size, morphology and surface composition of platinum-cobalt alloy networks nanostructures were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The 3D backbone structure and double-metallic property of the K2PtCl4/K3Co(CN)(6) cyanogel are responsible for the 3D structure and the high alloying degree of the as-prepared products, respectively. Compared to the pure Pt nanoparticles, 3D platinum-cobalt alloy networks nanostructures exhibit superior electrocatalytic activity and stability for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR), which is ascribed to their unique 3D structure and alloy properties.