Electrochemical and Microstructural Investigations of PtFe Nanocompounds Synthesized by Atmospheric-Pressure Plasma Jet

Abstract

A nitrogen DC-pulse atmosphere pressure plasma jet (APPJ) is used to convert ferric nitrate (Fe(NO3)3) and chloroplatinic acid (H2PtCl6) mixed liquid precursor films into PtFe nanocompounds on a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate. Scanning transmission electron microscopy indicates nanoparticles distributed on a thin continuous layer on the FTO substrate. The APPJ-synthesized PtFe nanocompounds contain a mixture of crystalline and amorphous phases. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that most Pt is in the metallic phase and most Fe, in the oxidized phase. A dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) with only 5-s APPJ-processed PtFe counter electrode (CE) shows significantly improved efficiency. This suggests the rapid processing capability of the nitrogen DC-pulse APPJ. A PtFe prepared with higher H2PtCl6/Fe(NO3)3 volume ratio shows better catalytic performance, as confirmed by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and Tafel experiments. The DSSC with APPJ-processed PtFe CE shows comparable efficiency to that of 15-min furnace-calcined Pt CE, suggesting that the APPJ processed PtFe requires less Pt.

Enhanced electrocatalytic activity of carbon cloth by synergetic effect of plasma and acid treatment

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Feasibility Study of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Jet-Patterned Perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane-Coated Paper for Biochemical Diagnosis

“…[34][35][36][37] By using plasmas of different gases, attached matter can be removed (by etching) and modified (by grafting functional groups), thereby altering the surface properties. [38][39][40][41][42] Atmospheric-pressure plasmas (APPs) were developed long after LPPs were introduced. [43][44][45] Recent developments in APPs have overcome the continuous arcing and instability problems, making APPs suitable for industrial applications.…”