Electrocatalytic Activity and Durability of Pt-Decorated Non-Covalently Functionalized Graphitic Structures

Abstract

Carbon graphitic structures that differ in morphology, graphiticity and specific surface area were used as support for platinum for Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) in low temperature fuel cells. Graphitic supports were first non-covalently functionalized with pyrene carboxylic acid (PCA) and, subsequently, platinum nanoparticles were nucleated on the surface following procedures found in previous studies. Non-covalent functionalization has been proven to be advantageous because it allows for a better control of particle size and monodispersity, it prevents particle agglomeration since particles are bonded to the surface, and it does not affect the chemical and physical resistance of the support. Synthesized electrocatalysts were characterized by electrochemical half-cell studies, in order to evaluate the Electrochemically Active Surface Area (ECSA), ORR activity, and durability to potential cycling and corrosion resistance.

Electrocatalysis in Fuel Cells

“…The importance of carbon wall thickness was highlighted. Functionalized graphitic supports with pyrene carboxylic acid also showed superior durability [28].…”

Carbon Nanofibers as Potential Catalyst Support for Fuel Cell Cathodes: A Review

“…(i) anion−π interaction, (ii) cation−π interaction, (iii) nonpolar gas−π interaction, (iv) H−π interaction, and (v) π–π interaction . Among these, π–π interactions are considered the most fascinating non-covalent interactions, in which the diffused electron clouds of one molecule and negatively charged π systems of another molecule exhibit a special electrostatic attractive interaction. , The π–π interactions usually dominate when the two π systems have similar electronic densities, and these are called dispersion-type interactions; however, when two systems have dissimilar electronic densities, such types of interactions are of induced-type. , The various organic molecules used to functionalize graphitic surfaces by π–π interactions, which include 1-(hydroxymethyl)­pyrene (Py-OH), benzyl mercaptan (BM), 1,10-phenanthroline (PA), 1-pyrenecarboxylic acid (PCA), 1-aminopyrene (AP), and polymer functionalization with polyaniline, poly­(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), poly­(ethylenimine), poly­(diallyldimethyl­ammonium), polyindole (PIn), poly­(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and biopolymers like deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). − …”

Rational Design of Novel Efficient Palladium Electrode Embellished 3D Hierarchical Graphene/Polyimide Foam for Hydrogen Peroxide Electroreduction

“…Hence, efficiently debasing the doses, uniform dispersity, and raising the efficiency of utilization of catalyst are very vital to constructing a high catalytic property and low-cost electrode. 35,42,43 In this work, a novel polyimide-based electrode of highly efficient palladium nanocatalyst embellished three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide/polyimide foam (Pd/3D RGO@PI foam, signed PRP) has been successfully prepared through thermal foaming procedure, followed by facile dip-drying method and electrodeposition. It assimilated the merits of Pd nanoparticles and 3D porous carbon material via an effective approach.…”

“…In consideration of the catalyst’s cost and the stability in acid medium, noble metal Pd, which is a relatively more economic and abundant metallic element than Pt, has certain advantages as catalyst toward H 2 O 2 electroreduction. Hence, efficiently debasing the doses, uniform dispersity, and raising the efficiency of utilization of catalyst are very vital to constructing a high catalytic property and low-cost electrode. ,, …”