Synthesis of Platinum Nanoparticles on Graphene via Electrophoretic Deposition as Catalyst for PEMFC
MUHAMMAD FAISAL JAMIL
Materials Science and Engineering M.Sc. Thesis, July 2017
Thesis jury
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selmiye Alkan Gürsel (Thesis advisor)
Assist. Prof. Dr. Alp Yürüm
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Önder Metin
Date and time: 31st July, 2017 at 14:00
Place: FENS G-029
Keywords: Electrophoretic deposition, graphene, platinum, PEMFC, graphene oxide
ABSTRACT
High Pt loadings have better tradeoff in PEMFC in terms of improved performance and operational longevity, but to employ low amounts of Pt electrocatalysts and augment its utilization is vital. This study presents the use of a novel technique, an anodic electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method, through which Pt/GO nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated onto oxygen plasma pretreated carbon paper in an organo-aqueous media. Physical characterization of the prepared Pt/GO samples are done by Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, focused ion beam, and transmission electron microscopy. Electrochemically active surface area results (optimal ECSA value, 27 m2/g of Pt) calculated from the prepared samples reveal high performance of Pt nanoparticles dispersed on GO at lower loadings (0.129 mg/cm2), displaying their synergistic performance making them potential catalyst for PEMFC.