Electroless synthesis of two-dimensional sandwich-like Pt/Mn3O4/reduced-graphene-oxide nanocomposites with enhanced electrochemical performance for methanol oxidation

The two-dimensional sandwich-like Pt/Mn 3 O 4 /reduced-graphene-oxide (RGO) nanocomposites are successfully fabricated through a spontaneous and electroless approach, where Mn 3 O 4 is rationally utilized as a green reducing agent in the synthesis of Pt nanoparticles and also a superior metal oxide support for the growth of Pt nanoparticles. By using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to characterize the catalysts, Pt nanoparticles are found to highly disperse on the Mn 3 O 4 /RGO surface. Electrochemical measurements indicate that the Pt/Mn 3 O 4 /RGO nanocomposites not only possess remarkably excellent long-time stability and electrocatalytic activity toward methanol oxidation, but also reduce the overpotential of methanol oxidation significantly, as compared to the Pt/RGO and the conventional Pt/C catalyst, which could be ascribed to the unique sandwich-like structure and the synergetic interaction formed between Pt, Mn 3 O 4 and RGO . Therefore, the present approach provides some new clues for further development of two-dimensional sandwich-like electrocatalysts for fuel cells.