Co-Sputtered Thin Film Consisting of Platinum Nanoparticles Embedded in Graphite-Like Carbon and Its High Electrocatalytic Properties for Electroanalysis

The radio frequency (RF) sputtering method was used to prepare nanoscale platinum (0) particles highly dispersed in a graphite-like carbon film (Pt−NEGCF) by co-sputtering platinum and carbon. The preparation is very simple, controllable, and reproducible. We studied this film with respect to its structural characterization and electrocatalytic properties. The XPS spectrum reveals that the platinum state in the Pt−NEGCF is platinum (0). TEM images show that the structure of the carbon in the film is graphite-like and that the platinum particles are highly dispersed in the carbon matrix. The electrochemical properties of the Pt−NEGCF electrode were evaluated. Compared with Pt bulk electrode, this film electrode is highly electrocatalytic as regards hydrogen evolution, dioxygen reduction, and hydrogen peroxide oxidation with good stability.