A quick and versatile one step metal-organic chemical deposition method for supported Pt and Pt-alloy catalysts.

A simple, modified Metal-Organic Chemical Deposition (MOCD) method for Pt, PtRu and PtCo nanoparticle deposition onto a variety of support materials, including C, SiC, BC, LaB, TiB, TiN and a ceramic/carbon nanofiber, is described. Pt deposition using Pt(acac) as a precursor is shown to occur a mixed solid/liquid/vapour precursor phase which results in a high Pt yield of 90-92% on the support material. Pt and Pt alloy nanoparticles range 1.

Electronic metal-support interaction enhanced oxygen reduction activity and stability of boron carbide supported platinum.

Catalysing the reduction of oxygen in acidic media is a standing challenge. Although activity of platinum, the most active metal, can be substantially improved by alloying, alloy stability remains a concern. Here we report that platinum nanoparticles supported on graphite-rich boron carbide show a 50-100% increase in activity in acidic media and improved cycle stability compared to commercial carbon supported platinum nanoparticles.