Synthesis of Pt-Ru@PThB catalyst by gamma-irradiation and NaBH(4) as reducing agent.

Pt-Ru particles were loaded onto spherical polythiophene balls (PThB) and new catalysts, Pt-Ru@PThBs, were prepared. Pt and Ru ions were subjected to chemical reduction using NaBH(4) as reducing agent or gamma-irradiation in the presence of PThBs. The size, morphology, and composition of Pt-Ru@PThB catalysts were determined by transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and elemental analysis. TEM images of the Pt-Ru@PThB catalysts clearly provide evidences that Pt-Ru alloy nanoparticles are dispersed onto the surface of PThBs. The electrocatalytic efficiency of Pt-Ru@PThB was tested for electrochemical oxidation of carbon monoxide as well as for methanol. Pt-Ru@PThB catalyst prepared by gamma-irradiation exhibits the enhanced electrocatalytic oxidation of CO and methanol. We envisage that Pt-Ru@PThB catalysts are suited for direct methanol fuel cells.