Carbon nanotubes decorated with Pt nanocubes by a noncovalent functionalization method and their role in oxygen reduction

A study has presented a unique method for the decoration of carbon nanotubes (CNT) with size- and shape-controlled Pt nanoparticles. The as-prepared Pt nanocubes (NC) were used as model nanocatalyst that could be directly assembled onto the negatively charged surface of PSS-wrapped CNTs via electrostatic interaction. The study showed that by adjusting the relative ratios of Pt NCs to CNTs, CNTs with different loadings of Pt NCs were obtained. The technique also allowed to prepare catalysts of Pt NCs on CNTs with Pt loadings up to 49.8wt%. The noncovalent functionalization strategy is able to deposit various morphology controlled nanoparticles on CNTs, and this is found to be useful for applications in catalysis and other corresponding fields. The method also provides a feasible approach to produce Pt/CNTs and other composites, which holds great potential for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCS) applications.