Convenient graphene based materials as potential candidates for low cost fuel cell catalysts

A new and simple synthesis method of Pt nanoparticles supported on graphene materials, as potential candidates for low temperature fuel cell application, has been developed and discussed in detail. Graphene and Pt supported on graphene nano-sheets have been chemically prepared using a soft reduction method via a sequence of preparation steps based on chemical oxidation of graphite and graphene oxide exfoliation. In order to avoid the tendency of formation of irreversible agglomerates and even to restack in graphite form during the conventional drying process, a new effective drying method was proposed. By optimizing the drying process, this barrier was passed and an exceptional surface area for graphite oxide (206 m 2 /g) was obtained, which could provide new directions into the fabrication of graphene materials. Using several characterization methods (FTIR, BET, TGA, RAMAN, XRD and SEM) it was highlighted that the manufactured nano-structured graphene have adequate properties to become potential candidate for PEMFC electrodes.