The catalytic role of platinum nanoparticles in laser generated nanocarbons

A two step laser-assisted synthesis method in water was employed to produce Pt@C hybrid structures. The structure and chemical composition of the produced Pt@C species were studied by Raman and X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopies. Raman analysis clearly evidences the formation of two different regions, one dominated by Pt nanoparticles (Pt NPs) surrounded by linear carbon chains and another where Pt-catalysed graphene-like foils take over. The high-energy resolved XPS Pt 4f and C 1s spectra show that the interaction of Pt NPs with polyynes give rise to the formation of strong Pt@C bonds, preventing the oxidation of the nanoparticles during their growth. The produced Pt@C systems could be proposed as catalysts towards several chemical reactions and preliminary tests using Methylene blue as probe molecules to evaluate the photocatalytic activities of Pt NPs and Pt@LCC nanostructures are reported.