Synthesis of hybrid Pt/TiO₂ (anatase)/MWCNTs nanomaterials by a combined sol-gel and polyol process

In the present study, hybrid Pt/TiO2/MWCNTs nanomaterials are prepared successfully by a combined sol-gel and polyol process. The as-prepared nanomaterials are characterized by X-ray diffraction, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetry analysis. In addition, its catalytic performance by converting CO into CO2 is also evaluated. Experimental results show that the hybrid Pt/TiO2/MWCNTs nanomaterials exhibit a mixture of anatase TiO2 and Pt phases. Multi-wall carbon nanotubes serve as an excellent supporting material where anatase TiO2 nanoparticles are decorated with well-distributed Pt nanoparticles. Excellent catalytic performance can be revealed for the hybrid Pt/TiO2/MWCNTs nanomaterials. When compared with its Pt/TiO2 counterparts where ∼ 100% CO conversion occurred at 150 °C, almost 100% conversion of CO into CO2 can be observed at a temperature ranged from 30 °C to 100 °C.