Platinum Nanoparticles Supported on Atomic Layer Deposited SnO2 Decorated Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes as the Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Tin(IV) oxide (SnO2) was deposited onto acid-washed multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to be used as a support for platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs). The effect of the SnO2–CNT support on the electrocatalytic activity of the PtNPs for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in 0.1 M HClO4 solution was investigated. The physical characterization of the catalyst confirms the presence of Pt, Sn and C on the catalyst as well as the presence of the PtNPs on SnO2. The synthesized catalyst possesses a specific activity of 0.15 mA cm−2 at 0.9 V, while the commercial Pt/C catalyst showed a specific activity of 0.05 mA cm−2. Accelerated durability testing (ADT) was performed on both catalysts, with the synthesized PtNP/SnO2–CNT catalyst retaining over 50% of its initial electrochemically active surface area (ECSA). Thus, the results obtained in this study confirm the positive influence of SnO2-decorated CNTs on the overall electrocatalytic activity of PtNPs and their stability toward the ORR.