Dispersion of Pt–Ru alloys onto various carbons using γ-irradiation

(PVP)-protected Pt–Ru alloy nanoparticles were prepared using γ-irradiation at room temperature. Pt–Ru alloy particles were successfully dispersed onto various carbon structures, including Vulcan XC-71, Ketjen-300, Ketjen-600, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to form new types of Pt–Ru/carbon-based composites. While Pt–Ru alloy nanoparticles were mainly aggregated on Vulcan XC-71, Ketjen-300 and Ketjen-600, SWCNTs and MWCNTs provided hydrophilic sites for improving the distribution of alloy particles. FT-IR spectroscopy provided evidence for the formation of carboxylate and hydroxyl groups on the surface of the nanotubes after γ-irradiation. These functional groups serve as the nuclei that resulted in the improved dispersion of alloy nanoparticles onto SWCNTs and MWCNTs.