Pt-Decorated Non-Covalently Functionalized Carbon Graphitic Structures as Durable Catalyst for ORR

Carbon graphitic structures that differ in morphology, graphiticy and BET surface area were used as support for platinum for ORR reaction in low temperature fuel cells. Graphitic supports were first non-covalently functionalized with pyrene carboxylic acid (PCA) and subsequently platinum nanoparticles were nucleated on the surface following procedures found in previous studies. Non-covalently functionalization has been proven to be advantageous because it allows a better control of particle size and monodispersity, it prevents particle agglomeration since particles are bonded to the surface and it doesn’t affect the chemical and physical resistance of the support. Synthesized electrocatalysts were characterized by electrochemical half-cell studies, in order to evaluate electrochemically active surface area (ECSA), ORR activity, durability to potential cycling and corrosion resistance.