Synthesis of platinum nanoparticles on graphene via electrophoretic deposition as catalyst for PEMFC

Official URL: http://risc01.sabanciuniv.edu/record=b1655700 (Table of Contents)

High Pt loadings have better tradeoff in PEMFC in terms of improved performance and operational longevity, but to employ low amounts of Pt electrocatalysts and augment its utilization is vital. This study presents the use of a novel technique, an anodic electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method, through which Pt/GO nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated onto oxygen plasma pretreated carbon paper in an organo-aqueous media. Characterization of the prepared Pt/GO samples is done via Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma, focused ion beam, transmission electron microscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. Electrochemically active surface area results (optimal ECSA value, 27 m2/g of Pt) calculated from the prepared samples reveal high performance of Pt nanoparticles dispersed well on GO at lower loadings (0.129 mg/cm2), displaying their synergistic performance making them potential catalyst candidate for PEMFC.