Self-assembly synthesis of reduced graphene oxide-supported platinum nanowire composites with enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards the hydrazine oxidation reaction

Abstract

Reduced graphene oxide (RGO)-supported Pt nanocrystal composites have wide applications in catalysis and electrocatalysis. In this work, we successfully synthesize guanidine-functionalized graphene oxide composites and phosphonate-functionalized platinum nanowires (Pt-NWs). Based on self-assembly and NaBH₄ reduction, RGO-supported Pt-NW composites (Pt-NWs/RGO) are obtained successfully. The as-prepared nanomaterials are detailedly characterized using various physical techniques, such as transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, element mapping, etc. Physical characterization results demonstrate that the guanidine functionalization of graphene oxide is crucial for the generation of Pt-NW/RGO composites. Electrochemical results show that both the phosphonate functionalization of Pt-NWs and the introduction of RGO contribute to the improved electrocatalytic activity of Pt-NW/RGO composites towards the hydrazine oxidation reaction.