Effect of activation/purification of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the activity of non-platinum based hypo-hyper d-electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution

Journal
Materials Research Bulletin
Date Issued
2009-09
Author(s)
Perica Paunovic, Aleksandar T. Dimitrov, Orce Popovski, Evelina Slavcheva, Anita Grozdanov, Elefteria Lefterova, Gjorgji Petrusevski, Svetomir Hadzi Jordanov
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.materresbull.2009.05.019
Abstract
Commercial multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used as a catalyst support for non-platinum hypo-hyper d-electrocatalysts. In order to improve the performance of these catalysts, activation/purification of MWCNTs in acid medium (HNO3) was carried out. The physical and surface changes of MWCNTs were investigated by DTA/TGA analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. Structural changes of the electrocatalysts were observed by infrared spectroscopy and SEM. Their use as a support for electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution was demonstrated, and shown to be more suitable compared to the traditional carbon support material - carbon black (Vulcan XC-72). The electrocatalysts consisted of 10% Co + 18% TiO2 + MWCNTs. Activation/purification removes the amorphous carbon phase in the MWCNTs. As a result of both shortening and opening of carbon nanotubes, better dispersion of metallic particles (the active catalytic centers) was achieved. Thus, trans-particle and inter-particle porosity of the electrocatalytic material was improved, implying increase of catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution.
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