Pulsed electrodeposition of Pt nanoclusters on carbon nanotubes modified carbon materials using diffusion restricting viscous electrolytes

A simple method for achieving high dispersion and small platinum nanoparticles down to only 2 or 3 nm on structured carbon supports (carbon nanotubes-modified PAN-based carbon fiber and carbon nanotubes-modified graphite foil) is presented. Pulsed electrodeposition of Pt nanoparticles was performed at increased viscosity of the H2PtCl6 containing electrolyte by addition of glycerol. The catalyst nanoparticle size can be controlled by varying the amount of glycerol added into the aqueous H2PtCl6 solution, and adjusting the number of the potential pulses. The shape and size of the Pt nanoparticles was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The electrocatalytic properties of Pt nanoparticles with respect to O2 and H2O reduction were investigated by means of cyclic voltammetry, and the improved catalytic activity of the Pt nanoparticles/carbon nanotubes surfaces could be proved.