Facile synthesis of PtRu nanodendrites/graphene catalyst with excellent performance for methanol oxidation

Exploiting facile and cheap synthetic methods to prepare PtRu nanocatalysts with superior activity and stability is crucial for the commercial applications of direct methanol fuel cells. In this communication, PtRu nanodendrites, which diameter is 30 ∼ 50 nm, were synthesized using Ni nanoparticles as both templates and reducing agents in an aqueous solution at room temperature. Home-made graphene was used as support to prepare PtRu nanodendrites/graphene catalyst. The as-prepared PtRu nanodendrites/graphene catalyst shows a larger electrochemical active area, a greater resistance to CO poisoning, and much better activity and stability for methanol oxidation than the commercial Pt/C catalyst.