Platinum nanostructures via self-assembly of an amyloid-like peptide: a novel electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction

An aniline-GGAAKLVFF peptide (AFP) was prepared by solid-phase synthesis. The peptide can readily self-assemble into fibrils. Platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) were directly immobilized on the surface of the AFP fibrils via electrostatic interaction. Compared to other currently available techniques for the fabrication of metal-peptide fibrils, the noncovalent functionalization strategy is able to deposit nanoparticles on peptide fibrils with different morphologies and high metal loading, which is important for applications in catalysis, electronic materials and other corresponding fields. The Pt-AFP fibrils were employed to modify the electrode, which exhibits high electrocatalytic activities towards oxygen reduction. Thus, the Pt-AFP fibrils hold great potential for polymer electrolyte fuel cells and other electrochemical applications.