Facile synthesis of electrochemically active Pt nanoparticle decorated carbon nano onions

Well dispersed platinum nanoparticles 1-5 nm (average 2 nm) in diameter on carbon nano onions (CNOs) are accessible using a simple and scalable one-step batch method. This technique involves pretreatment of acid digested CNOs with H2PtCl6 prior to reduction using hydrogen at ambient conditions, with the composite material being electrochemically active. The effect of different Pt loading, surface treatment, and the processing temperature on the dispersion of platinum nanoparticles on the CNOs has been studied in detail.