Novel ionic liquid supported synthesis of platinum-based electrocatalysts on multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Novel ionic liquids (ILs) were used to prepare carbon nanotube (CNT) supported platinum catalysts for the first time. The CNTs were pretreated in acid to get functional groups to promote the adherence of Pt nanoparticles. Ionic liquids added to the reaction system are suggested to contribute to the formation of homogeneous small Pt nanoparticles and to suppress the agglomeration of CNTs. The Pt/CNT electrocatalyst has a fairly homogeneous dispersion of Pt particles with small particle sizes. The electrochemical performance of the Pt/CNT electrocatalysts for PEM fuel cells was studied by cyclic voltammetry measurements. The results show that the ionic liquid has a significant impact on the surface of the as-prepared CNTs and that there is a strong interaction between ionic liquids and CNTs. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.