Dutta N.K., Mayavan S., Roy Choudhury N.
University of South Australia, AU
Keywords: catalytic nanoparticles, directed self-organization, fuel cells, molecular wiring
The usefulness of nanosized metallic particles in new generation devices and materials has prompted researchers to synthesize particles on various novel supports. The tunability in size and distribution of nanoparticles via bottom up tools opens up new avenues in electronic and catalytic applications. The nano tool we report here, are molecules of simple chemical structure which, as a result of functionalization, can build up a variety of self-organized superstructure for potential applications. This work explores methods to prepare platinum and its alloys on a conducive support capable of promoting both proton and electron transport. The results shows that, with this technique, highly dispersed Pt, Pt-Ru catalysts with no particle agglomeration can be formed and can also be decorated onto the walls of MWCNT with mean particle sizes of 3 nm with a narrow size distribution. The favorable metal-support interactions involving electronic transfer of MWCNT coupled with proton transfer of fn.SEBS results in improved fuel cell catalytic activity.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: Technical Proceedings of the 2008 Clean Technology Conference and Trade Show
Published: June 1, 2008
Pages: 273 - 276
Industry sector: Energy & Sustainability
Topic: Fuel cells & Hydrogen
ISBN: 1-4200-8502-0