Stepwise synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical properties of ordered mesoporous carbons containing well-dispersed Pt nanoparticles using a functionalized template route

Abstract A stepwise method is described for the accurately controlled growth of Pt nanoparticles supported on ordered mesoporous carbons (Pt–OMC) by the nanocasting of carbon and metal precursors in the pore channels of mesoporous silicas functionalized with Si–H groups. Results obtained from N 2 adsorption/desorption isotherms and transmission electron microscopy showed well-dispersed Pt nanoparticles (2–3 nm) on Pt–OMC with high surface area (837 m 2  g −1 ) and regular pore channels (2.9 nm), which facilitate reactant/product diffusion. X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that Pt nanoparticles in the Pt–OMC sample were mostly present in the metallic form of a face-centered cubic (fcc) crystalline structure. The Pt–OMC catalyst was found to have superior electrocatalytic properties during oxygen reduction reaction as compared to typical commercial electrocatalysts.