title: Microwave-assisted synthesis of Pt/CNT nanocomposite electrocatalysts for PEM fuel cells.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, University of Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia.
authors.forename: Weimin
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Gerhard F
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Swiegers
authors.forename: Zi-Feng
authors.initials: ZF
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: Gordon G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Wallace
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D010984:Platinum