Microwave-Assisted Scalable Synthesis of Pt/C: Impact of the Microwave Irradiation and Carrier Solution Polarity on Nanoparticle Formation and Aging of the Support Carbon

Microwave-assisted (MW-assisted) synthesis of nanomaterials is a facile method for material development studies involving small-scale synthesis. The being explored further toward industrial scale production nanoparticle catalyst. Here, optimization the process parameters scalable Pt/C through MW-assisted polyol route using (NH4)2PtCl6 as Pt precursor has been presented. Further, impact MW-irradiation on carbon support surface structure and its effect electrochemical stability synthesized have explored. electrocatalysts were MW synthesizer in an open system configuration. Effects different parameters, namely, solvent composition hence polarity, reaction time, concentration performance catalysts studied. A mixture water ethylene glycol with content 30% v/v was found appropriate achieving nanoparticles particle size ∼2 nm, suitable high electrochemically active area (ECSA) ∼75 m2/gPt. concentrations higher than 5 mM unsuitable due to incomplete reduction precursor. minimum time complete observed be 400 s. However, increasing treatment beyond s leads growth ECSA. Porosity analysis suggests decreased pore by during Hence, initial double layer capacitance (DLC) decreases leading increased corrosion bulk carbon, monitored respectively relative change DLC evolution quinone–hydroquinone redox peak accelerated stress test meant durability assessment electrocatalysts.