Platinum–ruthenium nanoparticles in poly(2,5-dimethoxyaniline)-poly(styrene sulfonic acid) via one-step synthesis route for methanol oxidation

Platinum–Ruthenium (Pt–Ru) nanoparticles were generated along with the simultaneous formation of poly(2,5-dimethoxyaniline) (PDMA) in the presence of poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PSS) using a one-step UV-assisted method. The existence of Pt–Ru nanoparticles was verified through characterization by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The latter two confirmed that the surface state of Ru in the Pt–Ru nanoparticles not only has metallic characteristics but is also present in oxidized form. The existence of PDMA in PSS was also identified using ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy. Based on electrochemical measurements, PDMA–PSS–Pt–Ru exhibited a much higher electrocatalytic activity than PDMA–PSS–Pt and bulk Pt in methanol oxidation. Under the appropriate conditions, these particles can potentially serve as robust electrocatalysts in fuel cell applications.