Electrocatalytic Activity and Durability of Pt-Decorated Non-Covalently Functionalized Graphitic Structures

Carbon graphitic structures that differ in morphology, graphiticity and specific surface area were used as support for platinum for Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) in low temperature fuel cells. Graphitic supports were first non-covalently functionalized with pyrene carboxylic acid (PCA) and, subsequently, platinum nanoparticles were nucleated on the surface following procedures found in previous studies. Non-covalent functionalization has been proven to be advantageous because it allows for a better control of particle size and monodispersity, it prevents particle agglomeration since particles are bonded to the surface, and it does not affect the chemical and physical resistance of the support. Synthesized electrocatalysts were characterized by electrochemical half-cell studies, in order to evaluate the Electrochemically Active Surface Area (ECSA), ORR activity, and durability to potential cycling and corrosion resistance.