EDTA-directed self-assembly and enhanced catalytic properties of sphere-constructed platinum nanochains

A simple and synthetically directed self-assembly approach to the construction of platinum nanochains (PtNCs) has been demonstrated. Micrometre-length PtNCs constructed with spherical Pt nanoparticles (PtNPs) of about 5 nm were synthesized by the reduction of Pt-EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) chelate complex with sodium borohydride (NaBH4). It was found that EDTA played a critical role in the formation of sphere-constructed PtNCs. The PtNPs-Nafion/glassy carbon (GC) and PtNCs-Nafion/GC modified electrodes were fabricated and their corresponding electrocatalytic activities were studied. Comparative studies demonstrated that the PtNCs catalyst had a higher electrochemically active surface area (ECSA, almost 2 times) and better catalytic activity (almost 10 times) in comparison with the PtNPs catalyst. The PtNCs catalyst with a high ECSA and catalyst activity will be a good anode catalyst candidate for direct methanol fuel cells.