(599d) Optimization of Pt/C Particles Electrocatalytic Activity By the Control of Carbon Nanostructures Via a Hybrid Aerosol-Colloidal Process

An optimum electrocatalytic performance of carbon-supported platinum (Pt/C) catalyst is determined by many factors, including the structure of the carbon support. In the study herein, we evaluated the effect of carbon nanostructures on the electrocatalytic performance of Pt/C catalyst and determined the most suitable nanostructure to deliver the best performance. Submicron carbon particles were prepared via spray pyrolysis of phenolic resin prior to being deposited with Pt nanoparticles using a microwave-irradiation process. Nanostructuration of the carbon particles was performed in situ owing to the colloidal interaction between phenolic resin and polystyrene latex (PSL) template, and was controlled by changing the properties of PSL. According to the results of the electrochemical analyses, Pt/C catalysts with porous carbon structure delivered the best performance compared to those with dense and hollow carbon structure. An evaluation on the pores size revealed the importance of a good balance between meso- and macropores for an effective electrocatalysis, which can be explained from the hydrodynamic profile in the catalyst layer.