Functionalization of Electrospun TiO₂ Nanofibers with Pt Nanoparticles and Nanowires for Catalytic Applications

Abstract

This paper reports a simple procedure for derivatizing the surface of anatase TiO2 nanofibers with Pt nanoparticles and then Pt nanowires. The nanofibers were prepared in the form of a nonwoven mat by electrospinning with a solution containing both poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) and titanium tetraisopropoxide, followed by calcination in air at 510 degrees C. The fiber mat was then immersed in a polyol reduction bath to coat the surface of anatase fibers with Pt nanoparticles of 2-5 nm in size with controllable density of coverage. Furthermore, the coated fibers could serve as a three-dimensional scaffold upon which Pt nanowires of roughly 7 nm in diameter could be grown at a high density and with a length up to 125 nm. The fiber membranes functionalized with Pt nanoparticles and nanowires are interesting for a number of catalytic applications. It was found to show excellent catalytic activity for the hydrogenation of azo bonds in methyl red, which could be operated in a continuous mode by passing the dye solution through the membrane at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/s.

Pt nanoparticles deposited on TiO2 based nanofibers: Electrochemical stability and oxygen reduction activity

“…The TiO 2 supported catalyst showed similar performance compared to carbon supported Pt in a H 2 PEM fuel cell when operated at 60 • C and 0.8 V. However, in the Ohmic regime the application of the ceramic support yielded lower performance due to its higher electrical resistance. Forno et al employed a reflux method to grow either Pt nanoparticles or nanowires on titania nanofibers [9]. The Pt nanowires had an approximate diameter of 7 nm and lengths of up to 125 nm.…”

Improved stability of mesoporous carbon fuel cell catalyst support through incorporation of TiO2

“…It is therefore important to explore alternative materials that can provide improved stability compared to carbon. Several research groups investigated titanium, tungsten and zirconium oxide supports with size features in the nanometer range [12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. Recent results in our group showed that Pt supported on titanium dioxide nanofibers is more stable compared to conventional carbon black [18].…”

Synthesis and Applications of One-Dimensional Porous Nanowire Arrays: A Review

“…Then, the build-up of electrostatic charges on the surface of a liquid droplet induces the formation of a jet, which is subsequently stretched to form continuous ultrathin¯bers. Li et al 74,75 and Formo et al 76 described a general procedure based on electrospinning for 1D porous TiO 2 NFs as well as their composite architectures with controllable diameters and porosities.…”