Nanotechnology

Findings from E.K. Tuseeva and co-researchers advance knowledge in electrochemical research

  2008 OCT 13 - (VerticalNews.com) -- According to recent research from Russia, "Comparative study of two types of single-wall carbon nanotubes and standard carbon black Vulcan XC-72 as supports for catalysts of reactions proceeding in fuel cells is carried out. The nanotubes were prepared by arc method; they differed in the degree of their purifying from amorphous carbon and metal impurities."

  "The structure and hydrophobic-hydrophilic properties of these carbon supports are studied by etalon porosimetry. The effect of the supports' specific surface area on the deposited catalyst particles size and specific surface area is studied. The catalysts (Pt-Ru and Pt) were deposited from aqueous solutions of their salts. Platinum was also deposited by thermal decomposition of ethoxy clusters. It is shown that in methanol oxidation reaction at the Pt-Ru catalysts the current values per unit true surface area do not depend on the support nature, provided the catalyst loading is equal and the particle size is similar. When oxygen is reduced at platinum deposited onto purified nanotubes and the carbon black Vulcan XC-72, specific kinetic currents also are close to each other," wrote E.K. Tuseeva and colleagues.

  The researchers concluded: "It is shown that the degree of nanotubes purification and their structure affect the kinetics of this reaction significantly."

  Tuseeva and colleagues published their study in Russian Journal of Electrochemistry (Carbon nanotubes as a support for Pt- and Pt-Ru-catalysts of reactions proceeding in fuel cells. Russian Journal of Electrochemistry, 2008;44(8):884-893).

  For additional information, contact O.A. Khazova, Russian Academy Science, Frumkin Institute Physics Chemical & Electrochem, Leninskii Pr 31, Moscow 119991, Russia.

  Publisher contact information for the Russian Journal of Electrochemistry is: Maik Nauka, Interperiodica, Springer, 233 Spring St., New York, NY 10013-1578, USA.

  Keywords: Emerging Technologies, Energy, Fuel Cell, Nanotech, Nanotechnology, Nanotube, Oil & Gas, Single Wall Carbon NanotubesElectrochemistry.

  This article was prepared by VerticalNews Nanotechnology editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, VerticalNews Nanotechnology via VerticalNews.com.