Electrochemical atomic layer deposition of Pt nanostructures on carbon paper and Ni foam; poster

Abstract

The cost of the platinum catalyst hinders the progress of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) into the commercial world. Electrochemical atomic layer deposition (ECALD) method was used to reduce the amount of Pt used and to increase its utilization. Carbon paper was used as a substrate for Pt deposition. Electrochemical experiments and morphological studies were carried out on the supported Pt metal electrode. Cyclic voltammograms of the electrodeposited Pt on the substrate showed features characteristic of polycrystalline Pt electrodes. ECALD produced good quality deposits that uniformly covered the carbon paper support. The advantages of preparing nanoparticles with this method include ease, flexibility and cost effectiveness. This could provide a competitive improvement for fuel cells in the power source market.