(97g) Hydrogen Production from the Electrooxidation of Ammonia Catalyzed by Carbon Fiber and Carbon Nanofiber Based Platinum

The optimization of an electrode for the production of hydrogen via ammonia electrolysis is presented. Anodes for this study were prepared by electrodeposition of platinum onto a carbon fiber and carbon nanofiber (CNF) catalytic base. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was used as a binder for adhering CNF to the carbon fiber surface. Three electrode preparation methods were compared. A sprinkling technique was chosen as an optimum method for fusing CNF to a carbon fiber surface. Using the optimum electrode preparation method, concentration of PTFE binder was optimized. Statistical methods were used to determine the effect of binder concentration on electrode electrochemical performance. Electrochemical performance was measured with Cyclic Voltammetry and Galvanostatic tests. It was proven that, for the range tested, binder concentration has no significant effect on electrode performance.