Platinum nanoparticles supported on core–shell nickel–carbon as catalyst for methanol oxidation reaction

Abstract In this study, we report the fabrication of a trilaminar core–shell structured Ni–C–Pt nanocomposite and its application as catalyst for methanol oxidation reaction. The Ni nanosphere core with a mean diameter of about 130 nm has a good magnetic response, which facilitates the separation and collection of the nanocomposite. The Pt shell is made up of many tiny Pt nanoparticles with diameter of only several nanometers. The high specific surface area of Pt nanoparticles results in high catalytic activity and high Pt utilization. The carbon interlayer acts as a linker for the Ni core and Pt shell. The influence of Pt loading content in the Ni–C–Pt nanocomposite is studied, and the results indicate that the Ni–C–Pt nanocomposite with a 28% Pt loading exhibits the highest catalytic activity for methanol oxidation reaction.