A dually spontaneous reduction and assembly strategy for hybrid capsules of graphene quantum dots with platinum–copper nanoparticles for enhanced oxygen reduction reaction

The unique hybrid capsules of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with platinum (Pt)–copper (Cu) nanoparticles have been prepared by a dually spontaneous reduction and assembly process of oxidized graphene quantum dots (ox-GQDs) and Pt precursor by galvanic displacement reaction on Cu microspheres. Cu@PtCu core–shell microspheres were first prepared by reaction of Cu with platinum (IV), which subsequently induced the reduction and assembly of ox-GQDs on them at room temperature. After removal of the Cu cores, the resultant capsules of PtCu@GQDs were collected. Based on the unique hybrid structure, PtCu@GQDs capsules showed remarkably enhanced catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with a 2 times higher mass activity and a 40 mV more positive onset potential than that of commercial Pt black, indicating the promise of the newly-prepared PtCu@GQDs capsules as catalysts for fuel cell applications.