Nanoparticle Size Effects on the Electrochemical Dissolution Rate of Pt

摘要

Model Pt catalysts have been fabricated directly on planar glassy carbon supports by physical vapor deposition. Potential application of these catalysts toward the understanding of fuel cell catalyst deactivation is demonstrated. The dissolution rate of the Pt is a key step to many of the deactivation processes which can be easily measured on these model systems. A decrease in the equilibrium potential for platinum oxidation on nanometer sized particles is shown. These catalysts are characterized by scanning electron microscopy and rotating disk electrode experiments. Development of a templated synthesis route to create Pt nanoparticle arrays of controlled size and spacing is demonstrated.