Graphene supported platinum–cobalt nanocomposites as electrocatalysts for borohydride oxidation

In the study presented herein a rapid microwave heating method was used to prepare the graphene supported PtCo catalysts with Pt:Co molar ratio 1:7, 1:22 and 1:44. The transmission electron microscopy was employed to characterize the catalysts. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry was used for estimation of Pt and Co metal loadings. The electrocatalytic activity of the synthesized catalysts towards the oxidation of borohydride was investigated by means of cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The kinetics of the catalytic hydrolysis of NaBH₄ in the presence of the synthesized catalysts was investigated.