Pt loaded on truncated hexagonal pyramid WC/graphene for oxygen reduction reaction

We report a microwave-assisted method to synthesize truncated hexagonal pyramid (THP) tungsten carbide with 5 nnn in size on graphene sheets (WCTHP/G) for the first time. The high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) and high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) analysis confirm that the WCTHP nanoparticles are dominated by (01 (1) over bar0), (10 (1) over bar0) and (1 (1) over bar 00) facets with a preferred orientation of [0001]. The Pt loaded WC-mp/G materials show high activity and extremely high stability in electrocatalysis. This method can be developed as a general strategy for synthesizing high surface area, nanostructured transition metal carbides (TMCs) and utilizing them as active and low-cost catalysts or catalyst supports in a broad range of sustainable energy technologies. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.