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Updated: Apr 21, 2026
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Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Nanotube with Doped Co and N Atoms and its Catalytic Applications in Hydrogen Production
Published on: December 6, 2021
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DNA-cisplatin modified single-walled carbon nanotubes for the hydrogen evolution reaction
R Hendi1, K Englert2, James H R Tucker2
1School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK. n.rees@bham.ac.uk.
Nanoscale
|April 20, 2026
Summary
A novel three-component catalyst using DNA-cisplatin adducts on single-walled carbon nanotubes enhances the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). This DNA-scaffolded platinum catalyst demonstrates superior activity and optimized platinum dispersion for efficient HER catalysis.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Developing efficient catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for sustainable energy technologies.
- Platinum-based catalysts are highly active for HER but suffer from high cost and limited dispersion.
- Utilizing DNA as a scaffold for platinum nanoparticle deposition offers a potential strategy for low-loading, high-performance catalysts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel three-component catalyst material for HER.
- To investigate the role of DNA as a scaffold for platinum (cisplatin) deposition on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs).
- To optimize the functionalization process for enhanced catalytic performance.
Main Methods:
- Functionalization of SWCNTs with DNA and cisplatin (cisPt) to form DNA-cisplatin adducts.
- Optimization of functionalization parameters including molar ratio (SWCNT:DNA-cisPt) and sonication time.
- Characterization using Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) and evaluation of catalytic activity via cyclic voltammetry.
Main Results:
- Optimal functionalization achieved at a 1:1 molar ratio of SWCNT to DNA-cisPt with 45 minutes of sonication.
- The three-component SWCNT-DNA-cisPt catalyst exhibited significantly higher mass activity (18.4 ± 0.9 mA mg⁻¹Pt) compared to SWCNT-cisPt (11.9 ± 0.6 mA mg⁻¹Pt), DNA-cisPt (10.0 ± 0.5 mA mg⁻¹Pt), and bulk cisPt (7.4 ± 0.4 mA mg⁻¹Pt).
- Catalytic activity correlated with Pt nanocluster size and distribution, with DNA facilitating improved Pt utilization.
Conclusions:
- DNA-cisplatin adducts functionalized on SWCNTs form a highly effective three-component catalyst for HER.
- The DNA scaffold plays a critical role in enhancing platinum dispersion and utilization, leading to superior catalytic performance.
- This approach offers a promising pathway for developing cost-effective and efficient platinum-based HER catalysts.
