Hierarchical structure SnO2 supported Pt nanoparticles as enhanced electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation

Hierarchical structure SnO 2 with two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets building blocks was employed as support material for Pt nanoparticles (NPs). The SnO 2 supported Pt catalyst was synthesized through a facile aqueous phase process using sodium borohydride as the reducing agent. The as-prepared Pt–SnO 2 catalyst exhibited remarkably improved electrocatalytic activity and stability toward methanol oxidation , in comparison with that of the commercial Pt/C catalyst and the commercial SnO 2 nanopowder supported Pt catalyst. The superior catalytic performance may arise from the unique multiscale structure and morphology of the SnO 2 support, which process extraordinary promotional effect on Pt catalyst.