Platinum loaded carbon aerogel catalysts for application in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells have been synthesized from the alcoholic sol-gel reaction of phloroglucinol with furfural using propylene oxide as a reducing agent of platinum salt, followed by supercritical drying with carbon dioxide. Subsequent carbonization of the platinum-organic aerogels under a reducing gas flow produced platinum-carbon aerogels. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analyses of the platinum-carbon aerogel catalysts indicate the formation of well-dispersed platinum nanoparticles having sizes of about 3 nm. Surface characterization of the platinum-carbon aerogel by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that 60 of the platinum is present in its metallic state. Electrochemical characterization by hydrogen adsorption/desorption cyclic voltammetry and CO stripping voltammetry indicates that the electrochemical active surface areas of the platinum-carbon aerogel are comparable to those of commercial catalysts.
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