Non-isothermal decomposition of platinum acetylacetonate as a cost-efficient and Size-Controlled Synthesis of Pt/C nanoparticles

A simple two-stage synthesis of Pt/C nanoparticles based on the non-isothermal decomposition of platinum acetylacetonate is presented. It allows not only production of Pt nanoparticles, but also their sizes control during the synthesis. The heating rate is the key factor for tuning the average Pt nanoparticle size. The electrochemical surface area of produced nanoparticles enlarges with rising heating rate, which can enrich 103 m2/g. The growth dynamics of Pt/C nanoparticles is tracked via in-situ XRD. Furthermore, the electrocatalytic activity of Pt/C catalysts is studied as a function of platinum particle size in cases of ethanol electro-oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions. [Display omitted] •Non-isothermal decomposition of Pt(acac)2 is simple method for synthesis of Pt nanoparticles.•Heating rate of the sample during the synthesis is the key factor for tuning Pt nanoparticle size.•The dynamics of synthesis and growth of Pt/C nanoparticles is tracked via in-situ XRD