Fuel Cell Electrodes From Organometallic Platinum Precursors: An Easy Atmospheric Plasma Approach

Abstract

An organometallic powder (platinum (II) acetylacetonate) is decomposed in the post-discharge of an atmospheric RF plasma torch to deposit Pt nanoparticles on carbon black supports. The resulting nanohybrid materials are characterized by FEG-SEM and XPS techniques to highlight their high content in Pt, their oxidation degree, and the dispersion of the Pt nanoparticles on the substrate. ICP-MS and electrochemical characterizations in a single fuel cell (cyclic voltammetry, dynamic polarization curves) are also performed on electrodes realized by treating the powder mixture overlaid on gas diffusion layers. The comparison of the catalytic activity and the Pt loading with commercially available electrodes shows the great potential of this simple innovative, fast, and robust deposition method.

Atmospheric pressure non-equilibrium plasma jet technology: general features, specificities and applications in surface processing of materials

“…This plasma source is commonly called "showerhead plasma jet" since it is provided with a showerhead outlet consisting of a circular honeycomb array of sub-millimeter holes. Several works reported the use of this source for surface treatment [38,74,75] and deposition of both organic and inorganic coatings [76][77][78][79][80][81].…”

“…The influence of the surrounding atmosphere was evaluated in a recent study regarding the decomposition of platinum (II) acetylacetonate ([Pt(acac) 2 ]) to form Pt nanoparticles on carbon black (CB) by using an Ar-fed RF plasma jet (Fig. 5c) operated in open air [75]. A mixture of the organometallic precursor and carbon black powder was pressed onto a copper tape and treated using two different configurations: (i) in the "open configuration" the tape was fixed on a glass slide placed at a distance from the jet of 3 or 10 mm; (ii) in the "confined configuration" the tape was placed at the bottom of a 10 mm high crucible, positioned against the plasma jet.…”

“…It is worth mentioning that a few recent studies reported the utilization of plasma jet treatments for applications different than wettability and adhesion enhancement. Examples include the preparation of Pt nanoparticles on carbon supports through decomposition of organometallic precursors for fuel cells applications [75] and the localized sacrificial oxidation of Si substrates before wet chemical etching of the oxide layer [179].…”

Low-Pressure Plasma Synthesis of Ni/C Nanocatalysts from Solid Precursors: Influence of the Plasma Chemistry on the Morphology and Chemical State

“…2,6,7 Regarding the NP substrates, high surface area carbon materials (HSAC) have been extensively used thanks to their low cost, chemical stability, high electron conductivity, and abundance. 8,9 Conventional methods to deposit NPs on a carbon support are mainly based on wet (chemical) methods. The NP synthesis requires multiple oxidation/reduction/washing/filtering steps, thus involving an extensive use of solvents and energy, leading to a high environmental impact of the catalyst.…”

“…Nanocatalysts are extensively used in fuel cells, for the hydrogen transfer reaction, or for water splitting. − In such applications, noble metal NPs, such as platinum or gold, are known to provide the highest electrochemical mass activity; however, noble metals are rare and expensive, so their use needs to be reduced for large-scale applications. Low-cost green catalysts based on metal-free or non-noble materials have recently attracted intense research; within them, nickel-based nanomaterials exhibit promising properties. ,, Regarding the NP substrates, high surface area carbon materials (HSAC) have been extensively used thanks to their low cost, chemical stability, high electron conductivity, and abundance. , Conventional methods to deposit NPs on a carbon support are mainly based on wet (chemical) methods. The NP synthesis requires multiple oxidation/reduction/washing/filtering steps, thus involving an extensive use of solvents and energy, leading to a high environmental impact of the catalyst.…”