Aqueous Preparation of Platinum Nanoflowers on Three-Dimensional Graphene for Efficient Methanol Oxidation

A facile aqueous method to construct a platinum nanoflowers (PtNFs)/three-dimensional (3D) graphene electrode for electrochemical catalysis was demonstrated. PtNFs composed of thin Pt nanowires with the length of 6⁻16 nm and the diameter of 2⁻3 nm were prepared on 3D graphene foam as a growth template in the aqueous solution without any surfactant. The 3D graphene foam was used for patterning PtNFs and controlling their morphology. The fabricated PtNF/3D graphene electrode was applied for electrocatalytic methanol oxidation. Electrochemical measurements show that the PtNF/3D graphene electrode has higher electrocatalytic activity and better stability than commercial Pt-C modified glassy carbon electrode. It displays promising potential for applications in fuel cells.