Abstract:
Platinum (Pt) nanoparticles on various supports, such as commercial carbon
powder, titanium dioxide (TiO2), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), were synthesized using a continuous flow microfluidic system. First, the support materials were separately synthesized using the sonochemical technique followed
by the loading of Pt. The Pt nanoparticles on different supports were characterized using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) for surface area and porosity analysis; X-ray diffraction (XRD) for structural confirmation; Fourier transform
infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for
surface composition; and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for morphological investigation. Further, polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells
were fabricated using the Pt nanoparticles on different supports, and cyclic
voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and power density were
performed. Among the three electrocatalysts, Pt/rGO showed the highest
electrochemical performance. Pt/rGO showed higher specific activity
(119 mA/cm2
), mass activity (238 mA/mg), current density (1274 mA/cm2
),
and power density (497 mW/cm2
). We also determined the mass activity and
specific activity of the electrocatalysts based on the electrochemical data. This
work shows the potential of the microfluidic system to continuously synthesize
the technologically important nanomaterials and their application for energy
conversion devices.
