Effect of surface modification of mesoporous carbon supports on the electrochemical activity of fuel cells

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Abstract

Mesoporous carbon (MC) was prepared from mesoporous silica (SBA-15) via a conventional templating method for use as a Pt-Ru catalyst support in fuel cells. The effect of surface modifications of the carbon support at different pH on the electrochemical activities of the Pt-Ru/MC catalysts was investigated. The Pt-Ru nanoparticle size and loading were dependent on the surface characteristics of the MC. Base-modified MC-supported Pt-Ru showed the smallest average nanoparticle size (3.3. nm) and the highest loading (77%) among the chemically modified MC-supported Pt-Ru catalysts. The electrochemical activity of the catalysts was enhanced when the MC supports were treated with basic or neutral agents rather than by acid modification.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)150-156
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science
Volume405
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Electrochemical activity
  • Mesoporous carbon
  • Pt-Ru catalyst
  • Surface modification

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