Theoretical study of stabilities,electronic, and catalytic performance of supported platinum on modified graphene

The geometry, electronic structure, and catalytic properties for CO oxidation of Pt atom supported on pri-graphene (PG), Haeckelite (H), and Stone–Wales-defect-graphene are investigated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In contrast to a Pt atom on PG, defective graphene, especially the Haeckelite, strongly stabilises the Pt atom and makes it more positive and thus the CO poisoning. At the same time the catalytic activities are as high as the pristine one. Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanisms are favoured as the starting state and are followed by the Eley–Rideal reaction. The results indicate the benefit of Haeckelite as a substrate for the Pt atom and validate the reactivity of catalysts on the atomic scale with low cost and high activity.     

Methane chemical vapor deposition on transition metal/GaAs samples – a possible route to Haeckelite carbon nanotubes?

We present a systematic study of atmospheric chemical vapor deposition growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on patterned, transition metal/GaAs samples employing methane as the carbon feedstock. Controlled CNT growth was found to occur from the exposed metal‐semiconductor interface, rather than from the metal or semiconductor surfaces themselves. A fast sample loading system allowed for a minimization of the exposure to high temperatures, thereby preventing excessive sample damage. The optimum growth temperature for CrNi/GaAs interfaces is 700 °C (at a methane flow rate of 700 sccm). Possible growth scenarios involving the Ni–As–Ga system and its interaction with C is discussed. Raman spectroscopy of the CNTs revealed the presence of pentagon–heptagon defects. Closer analysis of the spectra points towards a mixture of so‐called Haeckelite CNTs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.