In situ fabrication of dispersed, crystalline platinum nanoparticles embedded in carbon nanofibers

Close packed polyacrylonitrile nanofibers containing platinum (II) acetylacetonate were fabricated by polymerization of acrylonitrile in a porous anodic aluminum oxide template. Subsequent pyrolysis results in carbon nanofibers wherein the Pt(II) salt is reduced in situ to elemental Pt. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy showed that the Pt nanoparticles are dispersed throughout the carbon nanofibers, have a size range of 1–4 nm, and are single crystals. Rotating disc electrode voltammetry suggests that the dispersion of Pt nanocrystals in the carbon nanofiber matrix should exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity.