One-Pot Solvothermal Synthesis of PtAu/3d Graphene Aerogels for Methanol Fuel Cells

Abstract

Graphene aerogel (GA), known for their loose and porous three-dimensional structures, has been extensively studied and applied in various fields due to their exceptional mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and electrical properties. However, GA is usually made by freeze-drying method, which is expensive and time-consuming. In this study, a one-pot hydrothermal synthesis method was proposed to successfully fabricate platinum–gold nanoparticle-embedded graphene aerogels (PtAu/3DGA). The resulting PtAu/3DGA material exhibits a highly cross-linked 3D porous structure, a large surface area, and uniformly dispersed metal nanoparticles, which mainly contributes to its outstanding properties. As a methanol fuel cell catalyst, PtAu/3DGA achieves a catalytic activity of 638.3 mA mg⁻¹ and maintains excellent long-term stability. This approach not only improves the high cost and limited catalytic performance of platinum-based alternatives but also offers a scalable and efficient fabrication pathway. The outstanding performance of PtAu/3DGA highlights its potential applications in various fields, including fuel cells, supercapacitors, photocatalysis, and sensors. This work provides a promising strategy for the development of advanced materials with multifunctional applications.