Synthesis, characterization and electrocatalytic activity of Pt supported on poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)–V2O5 nanocomposites electrodes for methanol oxidation

Platinum nanoparticles have been supported on PEDOT–V2O5 nanocomposite through the reduction of chloroplatinic acid with formic acid. PEDOT–V2O5 hybrid nanocomposites are thus found to be a good support of Pt particles as catalysts for oxidation of methanol. Surface properties and morphology of the Pt deposit on nanocomposite were characterized using XRD, SEM, EDAX and TEM analysis. EDX mapping and TEM images show the fine dispersion of Pt nanoparticle on the nanocomposite support. TEM images show 4-nm Pt nanoparticles dispersed on the nanocomposite surfaces. The electrocatalytic activity of Pt/PEDOT–V2O5 nanocomposite catalysts toward methanol oxidation was investigated and compared with Pt/C. Pt/PEDOT–V2O5 nanocomposite catalysts exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic activity when compared with commercially available Pt/C catalysts and the chronoamperometric response revealed better activity and stability of the nanocomposite electrode when compared with the Pt/C electrode.