Microwave-assisted synthesis of Pt/CNT nanocomposite electrocatalysts for PEM fuel cells.
Microwave-assisted heating of functionalized, single-wall carbon nanotubes (FCNTs) in ethylene glycol solution containing H(2)PtCl(6), led to the reductive deposition of Pt nanoparticles (2.5-4 nm) over the FCNTs, yielding an active catalyst for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In single-cell testing, the Pt/FCNT composites displayed a catalytic performance that was superior to Pt nanoparticles supported by raw (unfunctionalized) CNTs (RCNTs) or by carbon black (C), prepared under identical conditions. The supporting single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), functionalized with carboxyl groups, were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and Raman spectroscopy. The loading level, morphology, and crystallinity of the Pt/SWNT catalysts were determined using TGA, SEM, and XRD. The electrochemically active catalytic surface area of the Pt/FCNT catalysts was 72.9 m(2)/g-Pt.
Zhang
Weimin
W
ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, University of Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia.
Chen
Jun
J
Swiegers
Gerhard F
GF
Ma
Zi-Feng
ZF
Wallace
Gordon G
GG
D002384:Catalysis; D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D055664:Electrochemical Techniques; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D008872:Microwaves; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry*; D010984:Platinum / Q000737:chemistry*; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman; D013818:Thermogravimetry
D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D010984:Platinum