Ultra-small platinum nanoparticles deposited graphene supported on 3D framework as self-supported catalyst for methanol oxidation

[Display omitted] •A catalyst of ultrasmall Pt NPs deposited rGO supported 3D framework was prepared.•The self-supported and binder-free catalyst was used for methanol oxidation.•The catalyst showed an enhanced catalytic behavior as compared to commercial Pt-C.•The catalyst shows excellent stability and durability superior to commercial Pt-C. The development of anodic catalysts for direct methanol fuel cell applications has recently been concerned in both academy and energy industries. In this study, we successfully developed an efficient electrocatalyst based on ultra-small platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) deposited reduced graphene oxide (rGO) supported by a three-dimensional (3D) framework. The catalyst was directly used as a self-supported and binder-free electrode for electrocatalytically catalyzing methanol oxidation (MOR). The achieved results showed the enhanced catalytic behavior of Pt-rGO/3DF towards MOR along with an excellent stability, superior to another electrode catalyst based on commercial Pt-C product. Our findings implied that growth of the Pt NPs on rGO nanosheets supported by a three-dimensional (3D) foam could impressively increase the catalytic performance of the resulting catalyst material towards MOR in alkaline environment. This study may open a novel and efficient option for creating highly catalytic hybrid towards MOR in fuel cell applications.