Open AccessUniform Functionalization of High‐Quality Graphene with Platinum Nanoparticles for Electrocatalytic Water Reduction
Author(s) -
Mazzaro Raffaello,
Boni Alessandro,
Valenti Giovanni,
Marcaccio Massimo,
Paolucci Francesco,
Ortolani Luca,
Morandi Vittorio,
Ceroni Paola,
Bergamini Giacomo
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
chemistryopen
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.644
H-Index - 29
ISSN - 2191-1363
DOI - 10.1002/open.201402151
Subject(s) - overpotential , graphene , exfoliation joint , platinum , electrocatalyst , materials science , noble metal , nanoparticle , platinum nanoparticles , catalysis , dispersion (optics) , surface modification , nanotechnology , chemical engineering , substrate (aquarium) , metal , chemistry , electrochemistry , organic chemistry , metallurgy , electrode , physics , oceanography , optics , engineering , geology
Graphene–metal composites have potential as novel catalysts due to their unique electrical properties. Here, we report the synthesis of a composite material comprised of monodispersed platinum nanoparticles on high‐quality graphene obtained by using two different exfoliation techniques. The material, prepared via an easy, low‐cost and reproducible procedure, was evaluated as an electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction. The turnover frequency at zero overpotential (TOF 0 in 0.1 m phosphate buffer, pH 6.8) was determined to be approximately 4600 h −1 . This remarkably high value is likely due to the optimal dispersion of the platinum nanoparticles on the graphene substrate, which enables the material to be loaded with only very small amounts of the noble metal (i.e., Pt) despite the very highly active surface. This study provides a new outlook on the design of novel materials for the development of robust and scalable water‐splitting devices.