Multi-walled carbon nanotube supported Pd and Pt nanoparticles with high solution affinity for effective electrocatalysis

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are easily wrapped with a functional biopolymer—polydopamine (Pdop) through self-polymerization of dopamine in a mild basic solution. The MWCNTs@Pdop exhibits long term dispersivity in water for at least one month. The Pdop has large capacity to coordinate [PdCl4]2− and [PtCl6]2− that upon reduction transform to corresponding metal nanoparticles. The nanoparticles strongly adhere to Pdop layer and can be used for the electrooxidation of haydrazine and methanol, respectively. Compared to Pd and Pt supported on unmodified MWCNTs, the Pd and Pt nanoparticle decorated on MWCNTs@Pdop exhibit much higher electrocatalytic activity and enhanced stability.