Issue 86, 2014

Pt-based nanoparticles on non-covalent functionalized carbon nanotubes as effective electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Abstract

Due to their unique electronic and mechanical properties, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been attracting much attention as favourite catalyst supports for energy conversion and storage applications. However, CNTs require molecular engineering such as solubilization and surface modification or functionalization to tailor their surface properties for the catalyst support applications. Among various functionalization methods, non-covalent functionalization is preferred, because it enables the attachment of molecules, solvents or polyelectrolytes through π–π, CH–π or hydrophobic interactions, forming effective active sites for the uniform assembly and dispersion of Pt-based precursor and/or nanoparticles (NPs) and at the same time preserving the intrinsic electronic and structural integrity of CNTs. Non-covalent functionalization is also effective to incorporate a multi-component electrocatalyst system with significantly enhanced synergistic effects. Here, the progress in the synthesis and development of highly dispersed Pt, and Pt-based NPs such as PtRu, PtSn and PtPd on non-covalent functionalized CNTs will be presented. The significant effect of interactions between CNTs, Pt-based NPs and functionalization agents on the electrocatalytic activity of Pt-based NPs on non-covalent functionalized CNTs is discussed.

Graphical abstract: Pt-based nanoparticles on non-covalent functionalized carbon nanotubes as effective electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
30 май 2014
Accepted
09 сеп 2014
First published
09 сеп 2014

RSC Adv., 2014,4, 46265-46284

Author version available

Pt-based nanoparticles on non-covalent functionalized carbon nanotubes as effective electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

W. Yuan, S. Lu, Y. Xiang and S. P. Jiang, RSC Adv., 2014, 4, 46265 DOI: 10.1039/C4RA05120C

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