Catalytically active CNT–polymer-membrane assemblies: From synthesis to application

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• 作者：Kirsten Prehn ; Rainer Adelung ; Martin Heinen ; Suzana P. Nunes ; Karl Schulte
• 关键词：no-composite ; Nanostructured electrode ; Multiphase system ; Sputtering deposition ; Electrocatalytic activity
• 刊名：Journal of Membrane Science
• 出版年：2008
• 出版时间：1 August 2008
• 年：2008
• 卷：321
• 期：1
• 页码：123-130
• 全文大小：1855 K

文摘

A new membrane electrode assembly set up for catalytic processes containing carbon nanotubes has been developed. The process includes the nanotube synthesis, sputter deposition of platinum as catalyst and the membrane casting. Aligned nanotube carpets were grown from toluene/ferrocene solutions and sputtered with platinum. Subsequently the assembly was investigated using cyclic voltammetry to confirm a sufficient catalyst activity. A procedure was developed to embed the carbon nanotubes doped with catalyst into SPEEK membranes, while preserving the aligned structure and keeping some surface area of the catalyst-doped nanotubes free of membrane material to allow for easy access to reactants. So far the best results were obtained using an aligned but somewhat loose nanotube structure and a deposition of 0.034 mg/cm² Pt, forming a combination of small catalyst clusters and a thin film. The assemblies are optimized in respect to application in fuel cells and functional membranes.