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

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. A novel procedure has been developed to synthesize ordered carbon mesoporous carbons (OMC) containing well-dispersed and highly electrocatalytic Pt nanoparticles (Pt–OMC) for oxygen reduction reaction. [Display omitted] ► A novel method to incorporate nanosized Pt particles on nanostructure carbons. ► Functionalized silica templates were used to control size and distribution of Pt nanoparticles. ► Electrochemical measurements of oxygen reduction demonstrated high catalytic activity compared to common commercial catalysts.