Title:Enhancing Intrinsic Electrocatalytic Activity of Pt/C Nanoparticles for
Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Acidic Media by Microwave-Assisted
Synthesis
Volume: 11
Issue: 1
Author(s): Marianela Lopez Romero, Edgar Jesus Borja Arco*, Lorena Magallon Cacho and Jeannete Ramirez Aparicio
Affiliation:
- Department of Theoretical Physics and Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
Keywords:
Microwave synthesis, platinum nanoparticles, electrocatalyst, oxygen reduction, mass activity, cathode, fuel cell.
Abstract:
This study is focused on the enhancement of the intrinsic electrocatalytic activity of Pt nanoparticles
supported on C (Pt/C NPs) towards Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) in acidic media. The
goal was to investigate the effect of microwave-assisted synthesis on the electrocatalytic performance of
Pt/C NPs towards ORR. Thus, Pt/C NPs were synthesized using a microwave-assisted method and by a
conventional heating method; structural and morphological characteristics were analyzed by X-ray diffraction
(XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Electrochemical studies were performed
using the rotating disk electrode technique to evaluate the ORR performance. Microwave-assisted synthesis
produced Pt/C NPs with a smaller particle size (6.3 ± 0.2 nm) than conventionally synthesized
nanoparticles (8.6 ± 0.3 nm). Electrochemical analysis showed that the microwave-synthesized Pt/C NPs
exhibited higher mass activity (4.6 ± 0.8 mA ⋅ g-1Pt) for ORR compared to conventionally synthesized
nanoparticles (1.9 ± 0.4 mA⋅mA⋅g-1Pt). These results demonstrate that microwave-assisted synthesis enhances
the intrinsic electrocatalytic activity of Pt/C NPs for ORR in acidic media. These findings have
important implications for the development of efficient electrocatalysts for fuel cell applications.
Background: The synthesis and characterization of platinum nanoparticles on C are crucial for advancing
electrocatalysis, particularly in the context of potential applications in fuel cells. This study builds on
previous research, focusing on two distinct synthesis methods to enhance our understanding of their impact
on nanoparticle properties and electrocatalytic performance.
Objective: To investigate the synthesis efficiency, structural characteristics, and electrocatalytic activities
of platinum nanoparticles on C using microwave-assisted heating and conventional synthesis reactor
heating. The objective is to discern any significant differences in particle size, structure, and electrocatalytic
performance between the two synthesis methods.
Methods: The synthesis involved a comparative analysis of platinum nanoparticles using microwaveassisted
and conventional heating methods. Chemical composition analysis verified the synthesis efficiency,
and structural and morphological characterizations were performed using X-ray Diffraction and
Transmission Electron Microscopy. Electrochemical studies employed the rotating disk electrode technique,
with activation and evaluation conducted through cyclic voltammetry, and the oxygen reduction
reaction studied via linear sweep voltammetry in an acidic media (0.5 mol⋅L-1 H2SO4).
Results: Well-supported platinum nanoparticles with a face-centered cubic structure were obtained on C
using both synthesis methods. However, microwave-synthesized particles (6.3 ± 0.2 nm) exhibited a
smaller size compared to conventionally synthesized particles (8.6 ± 0.3 nm). Electrochemical assessment
revealed superior mass activity for microwave-synthesized material (4.6 ± 0.8 mA ⋅g-1Pt), outperforming
commercial Pt nanoparticles (3.0 ± 0.3 mA ⋅ g-1Pt) and conventionally synthesized material (1.9
± 0.4 mA ⋅ mA ⋅ g-1Pt).
Conclusion: This study concludes that microwave-assisted synthesis yields platinum nanoparticles on C
with enhanced electrocatalytic performance, as evidenced by the smaller particle size and superior mass
activity compared to conventionally synthesized material and commercial Pt nanoparticles. These findings
highlight the potential of microwave-synthesized Pt nanoparticles for applications in fuel cells.