Ernst F.O., Büchel R., Strobel R., Pratsinis S.E.
ETH Zürich, CH
Keywords: carbon black, catalysts, platinum
Carbon-embedded or -supported Pt-clusters were made by a scalable, single-step flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) process. Pt-containing precursors was dissolved in xylene and sprayed and combusted in a controlled oxidation atmosphere resulting in nanostructured, carbon-embedded Pt-clusters. Combustion of xylene alone and subsequent addition of Pt-precursor downstream of the flame (onto the freshly-made carbon particles) led to carbon-supported Pt-clusters. Both carbon-embedded and -supported Pt-clusters possessed the self-preserving size distribution of aerosols grown by coagulation in the free-molecular regime. This indicates that homogeneous gas-phase formation rather than a heterogeneous pathway is present. These carbon-supported Pt-clusters exhibited catalytic activity comparable to the literature for hydrogenation of cyclohexene, highlighting the potential of flame technology for rapid and scalable synthesis of nanocomposite Pt/C particles. The produced particles had specific surface areas ranged from 25 to 200 m2/g for well dispersed Pt-clusters. Carbon-embedded Pt-clusters (2 – 5 nm) were not accessible and inactive as catalysts for hydrogenation of cyclohexene. In contrast, carbon-supported Pt-clusters (5 – 15 nm) were active hydrogenation catalysts demonstrating the accessibility of their Pt surface.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2008: Materials, Fabrication, Particles, and Characterization – Technical Proceedings of the 2008 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 1
Published: June 1, 2008
Pages: 156 - 158
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Carbon Nano Structures & Devices
ISBN: 978-1-4200-8503-7