The effect of a graphene support on the properties of Pt electrode catalysts in fuel cells

The use of graphene as a catalyst support for Pt in fuel cells is reviewed. Sub-nano Pt clusters can be prepared on graphene with an electrochemical surface area of 170 m 2 /g. For such small Pt clusters on graphene, significant improvements in catalytic activity have been observed for the electro-oxidation of CO or methanol, indicating that the graphene support has an effect on the properties of the Pt catalyst. The Pt clusters interact with graphene, resulting in a modification of Pt in terms of electronic structure. The interaction between Pt and graphene is ascribed to π - d hybridization. The reactivity of graphene with molecules or metal clusters is also discussed, in which we propose that non-bonding p z states are responsible for the reactivity. [TANSO 2014 (No. 265) 177–186.]