LAUSR

Abstract Feasibility of synthesis of Platinum/Multiwall Carbon Nanotube (Pt/MWCNT) nano-composites has been evaluated using a green chemical approach in the task specific ionic liquid (TSIL), trioctylmethyl ammonium hydrogen phthalate (TOMAHP). Effects of reaction temperature and introduction of functional groups in MWCNT on the dispersion of Pt onto MWCNT have been studied during synthesis. The Pt/MWCNT nano-composites thus prepared have been characterized for their structures, compositions, sizes and morphologies using X-ray diffraction (XRD), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) techniques. The high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and SAXS study showed that the fcc Pt nanoparticles (NPs) prepared at 40 °C are finely dispersed having average particles size of∼3–5 nm. However, most of them were not deposited onto the surface of pristine MWCNT. When functionalized MWCNT was used instead of pristine one, the Pt NPs formed agglomeration and there was wide size distribution. Increase in reaction temperature from 40 °C to 80 °C leads to formation of well dispersed Pt NPs on pristine MWCNT surface with particle size of 1–3 nm. A possible mechanism for formation of Pt/MWCNT in TSIL medium has been discussed.