Synthesis of platinum and platinum–ruthenium-modified diamond nanoparticles

With the aim of developing dimensionally stable-supported catalysts for direct methanol fuel cell application, Pt and Pt–Ru catalyst nanoparticles were deposited onto undoped and boron-doped diamond nanoparticles (BDDNPs) through a chemical reduction route using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent. As-received commercial diamond nanoparticles (DNPs) were purified by refluxing in aqueous nitric acid solution. Prompt gamma neutron activation analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques were employed to characterize the as-received and purified DNPs. The purified diamond nanoparticulates, as well as the supported Pt and Pt–Ru catalyst systems, were subjected to various physicochemical characterizations, such as scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive analysis, TEM, X-ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. Physicochemical characterization showed that the sizes of Pt and Pt–Ru particles were only a few nanometers (2–5 nm), and they were homogeneously dispersed on the diamond surface (5–10 nm). The chemical reduction method offers a simple route to prepare the well-dispersed Pt and Pt–Ru catalyst nanoparticulates on undoped and BDDNPs for their possible employment as an advanced electrode material in direct methanol fuel cells.     

Ultrasonic-assisted synthesis of Pd–Pt/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites for enhanced electro-oxidation of ethanol and methanol in alkaline medium

Herein, a facile ultrasonic-assisted strategy was proposed to fabricate the Pd–Pt alloy/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Pd–Pt/CNTs) nanocomposites. A good number of Pd–Pt alloy nanoparticles with an average of 3.4 ± 0.5 nm were supported on sidewalls of CNTs with uniform distribution. The composition of the Pd–Pt/CNTs nanocomposites could also be easily controlled, which provided a possible approach for the preparation of other architectures with anticipated properties. The Pd–Pt/CNTs nanocomposites were extensively studied by electron microscopy, induced coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and applied for the ethanol and methanol electro-oxidation reaction in alkaline medium. The electrochemical results indicated that the nanocomposites had better electrocatalytic activities and stabilities, showing promising applications for fuel cells.     

Functional multi-walled carbon nanotube/polysiloxane composite films as supports of PtNi alloy nanoparticles for methanol electro-oxidation

We demonstrate the use of molecular monolayers to enhance the nucleation of electrocatalytically active PtNi alloy nanoparticles onto the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). After the siloxane was polymerized on the nanotube surfaces, the carbon nanotubes were embedded within the polysiloxane shell with a hydrophilic amino group situated outside. Subsequent deposition of PtNi nanoparticles led to high density of 3-10 nm diameter PtNi alloy nanoparticles uniformly deposited along the length of the carbon nanotubes. The presence of MWCNTs and PtNi in the composite films was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersion X-ray spectra analysis (EDS). The electrocatalytic activity of the PtNi-modified MWCNT/polysiloxane (PtNi/Si-MWCNT) composite electrode for electro-oxidation of methanol was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), and excellent electrocatalytic activity can be observed.     

A comparative study for the electrocatalytic oxidation of alcohol on Pt-Au nanoparticle-supported copolymer-grafted graphene oxide composite for fuel cell application

The platinum-gold bimetallic nanoparticles supported poly(cyclotriphosphazene-co-benzidine)-grafted graphene oxide (poly(CP-co-BZ)-g-GO) composite has been prepared for electrochemical performance studies. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometric studies were carried out to check the electrochemical properties of Pt-Au/poly(CP-co-BZ)-g-GO and Pt/poly(CP-co-BZ)-g-GO catalysts for methanol, ethylene glycol and glycerol in alkaline medium. The morphology and crystalline structure of the prepared Pt-Au/poly(CP-co-BZ)-g-GO and Pt/poly(CP-co-BZ)-g-GO and catalysts have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). From the electrochemical results, it was concluded that Pt-Au/poly(CP-co-BZ)-g-GO catalyst shows higher catalytic activity and stability compared to Pt/poly(CP-co-BZ)-g-GO catalyst. The catalytic activity of Pt/poly(CP-co-BZ)-g-GO catalyst has been compared with Pt/poly(CP-co-BZ), Pt/GO and Pt/C catalysts. In addition, oxidation current of ethylene glycol is higher than the methanol and glycerol in alkaline medium on the prepared catalyst.     

Template preparation of Pt nanowire array electrode on Ti/Si substrate for methanol electro-oxidation

Platinum (Pt) nanowire array electrode is obtained by dc electrodeposition of Pt into the pores of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template on Ti/Si substrate. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) examination shows all the nanowires have uniform diameter of about 30 nm. The brush shapes Pt nanowire array electrode can be seen clearly by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Pt nanowire array electrode gives the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of face-centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure. The electro-oxidation of methanol on this electrode is investigated at room temperature by cyclic voltammetry. The results demonstrated that the Pt nanowire array electrode will have good potential applications in portable power sources.     

Tuning of size and shape of Au–Pt nanocatalysts for direct methanol fuel cells

In this article, we report the precise control of the size, shape, and surface morphology of Au–Pt nanocatalysts (cubes, blocks, octahedrons, and dogbones) synthesized via a seed-mediated approach. Gold “seeds” of different aspect ratios (1–4.2), grown by a silver-assisted approach, were used as templates for high-yield production of novel Au–Pt nanocatalysts at a low temperature (40 °C). Characterization by electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, HRTEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis, UV–Vis spectroscopy, zeta-potential (surface charge), atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were used to better understand their physico-chemical properties, preferred reactivities and underlying nanoparticle growth mechanism. A rotating disk electrode was employed to evaluate the Au–Pt nanocatalysts electrochemical performance in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the methanol oxidation reaction of direct methanol fuel cells. The results indicate the Au–Pt dogbones are partially and in some cases completely unaffected by methanol poisoning during the evaluation of the ORR. The ORR performance of the octahedron particles in the absence of MeOH is superior to that of the Au–Pt dogbones and Pt-black; however, its performance is affected by the presence of MeOH.     

Pt-Ni alloy nanoparticles supported on CNF as catalyst for direct ethanol fuel cells

Carbon nanofiber (CNF) network supported Pt and Pt-Ni alloy nano particle catalysts were prepared by electrochemical deposition at different deposition cycles. Structure, composition and surface morphology of the Pt/CNF and Pt-Ni/CNF were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Structural analysis by XRD revealed a face centered cubic crystal structure for Pt and its alloy. SEM images have shown that the Pt-Ni nanoparticles distributed evenly on the CNF network. The electrocatalytic activity of the Pt/CNF and Pt-Ni/CNF electrodes was verified using an electrochemical linear voltammetrty (ELV), cyclic voltammetry (ECV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in an alkaline solution containing 1 M C₂H₅OH + 1 M KOH. The results show increased catalytic activity with enhancement of the Pt-Ni alloy formation.     

Gelatin–Chitosan composite capped gold nanoparticles: a matrix for the growth of hydroxyapatite

Growth of hydroxyapatite (HA) on gelatin–chitosan composite capped gold nanoparticles is presented for the first time by employing wet precipitation methods and we obtained good yields of HA. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum has shown the characteristic bands of phosphate groups in the HA. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) pictures have shown spherical nanoparticles with the size in the range of 70–250 nm, whereas ≥2–50 nm sized particles were visualized in high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum has shown Bragg reflections which are comparable with the HA. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) studies have confirmed calcium/phosphate stoichiometric ratio of HA. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) has shown about 74% of inorganic crystals in the nanocomposite formed. These results have revealed that gelatin–chitosan capped gold nanoparticles, acted as a matrix for the growth of HA.     

Preparation and characterization of Pt-supported porous graphite nanofibers

In this work, porous graphite nanofibers (PGNFs) were manufactured as promising catalyst supporter by a physical activation method for direct methanol fuel cells, and Pt nanoparticles were loaded on the PGNFs in order to prepare electrode materials by a chemical reduction method. The pore structures of the Pt/PGNFs were analyzed by N₂ adsorption isotherms at 77 K. Electrocatalytic activities of final products were investigated by voltammetry and conductivity measurements in a 1.0 M CH₃OH/0.5 M H₂SO₄. As a result, electrocatalytic activities of Pt/PGNFs were increased in the presence of Pt particles on the PGNFs and with increasing the specific surface area of the carbons.     

Successive electrodeposition of polydopamine and PtPd metal on a graphene oxide support for use as anode fuel cell catalysts

Successive electropolymerization of dopamine and electrodeposition of Pd and/or Pt on a graphene oxide (GO) support were used to prepare anode catalysts for low-temperature fuel cells. Transmission electron microscopy images were used to investigate the morphologies and distribution of the prepared catalysts, which showed the metal formed as nanoparticles on the catalysts. The GO surface was favorable for the modification with electropolymerized polydopamine (PDA) and the electrodeposition of metal catalyst nanoparticles using a simple preparation process. The PDA-loaded GO composite was used as a matrix for the dispersion of Pt and Pd nanoparticles. GO could be simultaneously modified by PDA and reduced without using reducing agents. The electrocatalytic performance of the catalysts for the oxidation of selected small molecule fuels (e.g., methanol, ethanol and formic acid) was examined. An outstanding catalytic activity and stability was found for the prepared Pt/Pd/PDA/GO composite, which was attributed to the high active surface area.     

Modifications of interface chemistry of LSM-YSZ composite by ceria nanoparticles

A porous composite electrode LSM-YSZ (lanthanum strontium manganite and yttria stabilized zirconia) was impregnated with different amounts of SDC (samarium substituted ceria) nanoparticles. The materials were investigated with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to determine the microstructure, the interface chemistry and the surface chemistry of the various impregnated samples. The SDC nanoparticles cover the surface of the LSM-YSZ backbone to a large extent; they are approximately 5-20 nm in diameter and have a cubic crystal structure. Low concentrations of lanthanum and manganese originating from LSM were detected within SDC particles. It was also observed that the relative atomic concentration of strontium increased on the LSM-YSZ surface with increasing amount of SDC nanoparticles. These findings are related to the applied nanoparticle impregnation method. It is indicated that interactions between surfactant, nanoparticles, impregnation solution and the LSM-YSZ composite take place which can locally affect the surface and interface chemistry of the investigated materials.     

Improved catalytic activity of Pt/rGO counter electrode in In2O3-based DSSC

A platinum/reduced graphene oxide (Pt/rGO) nanocomposite acting as a counter electrode (CE) was fabricated using a chemical bath deposition method for In₂O₃-based dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) via sol-gel technique. The report analyzes the morphological and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of the annealing Pt/rGO films at 350, 400, and 450 °C. Micrograph images obtained from field emission scanning electron microscopy demonstrated the annealed films are highly porous. The energy-dispersive X-ray results show that the carbon atoms were homogeneously distributed on the film annealed at 400 °C. A good photovoltaic performance was exhibited with high photocurrent density of 8.1 mA cm⁻² and power conversion efficiency (η) of 1.68 % at the Pt/rGO CE annealed at 400 °C. The employed electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis quantifies that the Pt/rGO films annealed at 400 °C provide more efficient charge transfer with the lowest effective recombination rate and high electron life time, hence improving the performance of Pt/rGO CE.

     

Effect of the TiO2 content as support with carbon toward methanol electro-oxidation in alkaline media using platinum nanoparticles as electrocatalysts

Platinum nanoparticles supported on physical mixtures of Vulcan carbon and TiO₂ (Pt/(C?+?TiO₂)) were prepared by the borohydride method and tested for methanol electro-oxidation in alkaline media. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses showed peaks characteristic of Pt face-centered cubic (fcc) structure and peaks associated with TiO₂ and carbon. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed the Pt nanoparticles distributed preferentially over the TiO₂ support with average particle sizes between 5 and 6 nm. Cyclic voltammograms showed a decrease of Pt surface area with increasing TiO₂ load while linear sweep in the presence of methanol showed Pt/(C?+?TiO₂) (60:40) with the highest current density in accordance with chronoamperometry. The results were attributed to Pt-based nanoparticles on TiO₂ which show enhanced catalytic activities for methanol oxidation due to a metal-support interaction. Furthermore, TiO₂ is a semiconductor with low conductivity when compared to carbon. Thus, it is expected that an intermediate proportion of carbon and TiO₂ as substrate could improve the activity of Pt nanoparticles without substantial loss of conductivity, resulting in a synergic effect.     

Ru decorated Pt nanoparticles by a modified polyol process for enhanced catalytic activity for methanol oxidation

Ru decorated Pt nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared by a modified polyol synthesis method for enhanced catalytic activity for methanol oxidation. The characterizations for the electrocatalysts were carried out by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA). The modified polyol synthesis method promoted position-controlled nucleation and growth of Ru atoms near Pt, and resulted in improved durability against catalyst poisoning compared to PtRu/MWCNTs prepared by common polyol method. This concept also allowed a high loading and dispersion of the catalyst on the carbon supports with few agglomerations of catalyst nanoparticles, resulting in high catalytic activity.     

High-density attachment of FePt nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes by a facile microwave-assisted polyol method

High-density attachment and one-dimensional (1D) array of FePt nanoparticles (NPs) along carbon nanotubes (CNTs) surface to generate FePt/CNT nanocomposites were successfully obtained via a facile CNT-mediated microwave polyol method. The as-prepared 1D FePt/CNTs is about 10–20 nm in diameter and up to μm scale in length. By adjusting the solvents, the ratio of Fe/Pt and the attached density of FePt NPs on the surface of CNTs could be well controlled. The structures, composition, and magnetic properties of the FePt/CNTs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and magnetic measurements. The possible growth mechanism has also been proposed.     

WO3/Pt复合薄膜的制备及其光电催化性能

导电玻璃作为基底水热法生长了WO₃纳米棒,通过电沉积法改变沉积Pt的时间(40 s,80 s,120 s),以WO₃纳米棒为基底沉积得到不同的WO₃/Pt复合薄膜样品。通过X射线衍射分析和扫描电子显微镜等测试手段将WO₃纳米棒薄膜和WO₃/Pt复合薄膜样品进行表征。结果表明成功制备了WO₃/Pt复合薄膜样品。漫反射结果显示WO₃/Pt复合薄膜与WO₃薄膜相比具有更强的光吸收。交流阻抗谱显示WO₃/Pt复合薄膜与WO₃纳米棒薄膜相比增强了电荷转移效率。利用光电流、光电催化对WO₃/Pt复合薄膜进行光电性能测试,结果表明WO₃/Pt复合薄膜相较于单一WO₃薄膜光电流活性更高和光电催化活性更强,并且沉积时间为80 s的WO₃/Pt复合薄膜显示最为优异的光电流和光电催化性能。同时,沉积时间为80 s的WO₃/Pt复合薄膜的光电催化性能优于其光催化和电催化性能。     

Platinum particles dispersed poly(diphenylamine) modified electrode for methanol oxidation

A modified potentiostatic method, termed the ‘pulse pontentiostatic method’ (PPSM) was used to get nano fibrillar poly(diphenylamine) (PDPA) film on Indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass electrode and also for making modified electrode with platinum particles dispersed in PDPA. Platinum clusters were electrodispersed under constant potential on PDPA films to obtain catalytic electrodes for methanol oxidation. Energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX) results showed that the Pt microparticles are deposited into PDPA film. Scanning electron micrograph, SEM images show that the deposition results spherical catalytic particles. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results inform that the net electronic charge on carbon atom and also the imine/amine ratio was not affected by Pt loadings. The modification of electrode surface by nano fibular PDPA improves the electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation.     

Cadmium sulfide rod-bundle structures decorated with nanoparticles from an inorganic/organic composite

We report a new morphology of wurzite cadmium sulfide with nanoparticles decorated on rod-bundle structures, which were synthesized via calcinations of an inorganic/organic composite at 400 °C in air. The composite was hydrothermally synthesized at 180 °C using thioglycolic acid (TGA) and cadmium acetate as starting materials. The structure, composition, and morphology of the prepared material were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, FT-IR spectrometry, photoluminescence spectrometry, and UV–visible spectrometry. Results indicated that the composite could be defined as CdS _0.65/Cd–TGA_0.35. X-ray diffraction revealed that the annealed product is CdS with wurtizite phase. The diameter of the rod is about 150–400 nm and the length from the top to the bottom of the decorated nanoparticle is about 100 nm. The composite showed high intensity of photoluminescence with similar peak position, compared to that of wurtzite CdS, because of the structure defects.     

Preparation of Pt–CeO2/MWNT nano-composites by reverse micellar method for methanol oxidation

We report the preparation of Pt–CeO₂ nanoparticles on the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) by a reverse micellar method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis indicated that well-dispersed small Pt–CeO₂ nanoparticles were formed on the MWCNTs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of the Pt–CeO₂ nanoparticles on the MWNTs. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) results demonstrated that the Pt–CeO₂/MWNT exhibited a higher methanol oxidation than did the Pt/MWNT catalyst. The CO stripping test showed that CeO₂ can make CO stripped at a lower potential, which is helpful for CO and methanol electro-oxidation.     

Poly(glycidylmethacrylate-co-vinyl ferrocene)-grafted iron oxide nanoparticles as an electron transfer mediator for amperometric phenol detection

An amperometric phenol biosensor was constructed by using poly(glycidylmethacrylate-co-vinyl ferrocene) grafted iron oxide nanoparticles for detection of different phenolic compounds (catechol, aminophenol, phenol, p-cresol, pyrogallol). The poly(glycidylmethacrylate-co-vinyl ferrocene) and nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The copolymer grafted iron oxide nanoparticles and Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were covalently attached on gold (Au) electrode surface. The effect of pH, temperature and characteristic features such as; reusability and storage stability were studied. The electrode showed good response time within ～3 s. The electrocatalytic response showed a linear dependence on the phenolic compounds concentration ranging from 0.5 to 17.0 mM.