Effect of MgO coverage on the synthesis and thermal treatment of Pt-Sn/C catalysts

Abstract To prevent sintering of carbon supported metal nanoparticles during high temperature annealing in reductive conditions, Pt-Sn nanoparticles were coated with MgO. The agglomeration of Pt-Sn particles upon thermal annealing was significantly inhibited with a MgO shell. The presence of the oxide shell gave rise to a more homogeneous microstructure and a better electrochemical stability.