Fabrication And Characterization Of Nano Electrocatalyst (Pt) For Methanol Electro-oxidation

摘要

Nanosized platinum catalysts were deposited onto graphite and carbon felt surface by both chemical and electrochemical techniques. The controlled potentiostatic condition was used for electrodeposition using cationic surfactant, CTAB, at pre-CMC concentration in electrolytic bath. Electrocatalytic activity of such electrodes for methanol oxidation were studied and compared. The parameters like peak potential (E_p), peak current (i_p), apparent diffusion coefficient for methanol (D_(app)), Tafel slope and apparent rate constant (k) were obtained from cyclic voltammograms of methanol oxidation in acid medium. The morphology and crystal structure of these electrodes were analyzed by SEM and XRD. Electrokinetic parameters of these systems clearly indicate that methanol oxidation rates are almost comparable onto these electrodes. It is thus suggested to follow electrochemical route using surfactant as capping agent. Graphites are found to be better substrate than felt material. SEM pictures clearly indicate formation of highly dispersed catalytic particles (Pt) via electrochemical route.