Bimodal Pt synthesized on heat treated carbon black support in arc plasma process

摘要

In general, furnace carbon black is used for support material thank to large specific surface area, good electrical conductivity, and chemical inertness. However, carbon corrosion degrades catalyst performance by electrically isolating detached Pt. Also, surface oxide species makes the catalyst be hydrophilic. In this regard, Vulcan XC-72 carbon black was heat treated at 1,000°C, 1,100°C, and 1,200°C for 4 hours in a reducing environment in order to change crystallinity and surface properties. As the heat treatment temperature is increased, specific surface area by BET analysis is not markedly changed. However, changes of crystallinity from X-ray diffractometry, Raman spectroscopy, and high resolution transmission electron microscopy are notable. After that, Pt/C nano-catalysts are synthesized by arc plasma deposition process. Conclusively, Pt morphology can be tailored by carbon heat-treatment in the arc plasma synthesis and durable Pt/C is synthesized without post-synthesis heat treatment in liquid base synthesis.