Pt/SnO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by one-pot sol–gel technique. The proposed method of synthesis and thermal treatment allow for good control of the size of metal and stabilization of nanoparticles within the pores of the support. It was possible to obtain uniform and well dispersed platinum nanoparticles, which was confirmed by XRD and TEM. After thermal treatment, Pt particle migration and coalescence on the surface was observed.
However, this process required higher temperatures in comparison to multi-stage synthesis methods thanks to stabilisation of small Pt clusters in the gel structure. Pt/SnO2 - based electrocatalyst showed electrochemical activity during methanol oxidation reaction in acid solution. The CV results demonstrated that the oxidation state of Pt is a determining factor of its activity.