Gold–platinum bimetallic nanowires on graphene oxide nanosheets for the oxygen reduction reaction

Abstract

In this study, gold–platinum nanowires (AuPt NWs) were successfully loaded onto graphene oxide (GO) to obtain graphene oxide-supported gold-platinum bimetallic nanowires (GO/AuPt NWs) composites, which were used as catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The morphology, crystal structure and elemental composition of GO/AuPt NWs were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear scanning voltammetry (LSV) and chronoamperometry (I–T) were used to evaluate the electrochemical activity and stability of GO/AuPt NWs for the ORR in alkaline media. The prepared GO/AuPt NWs exhibit high electrocatalytic activity and a major four-electron pathway for the ORR. Moreover, they also exhibit superior stability and methanol resistance compared to commercial Pt–C (10 wt%) catalysts, making them a promising nanoelectrocatalyst for fuel cells and other electrochemical devices. This simple, straightforward and versatile approach is important for the preparation of well-formed high-performance metal nanocatalysts on support materials.