Platinum nanoparticles supported on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were prepared by the chemical reduction method in solutions. The effects of reducing process and chemical modification of CNTs on the sizes and dispersion of nanoparticles were studied with SEM, TEM and XRD. It was demonstrated that the chemical modification of CNTs could improve their compatibility with solvents, hence the dispersibility of the platinum nanoparticles on CNTs. Among different reducing agents, including EG, NaBH4, HCHO and Na2S2O3, the smallest size, about 2.5 nm, and best dispersion of platinum nanoparticles were achieved by using EG as reductant under similar preparation conditions. The Pt/CNT catalyst prepared by EG reduction on H2SO4-modified CNTs exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity for the direct methanol oxidation.
