Bimetallic and trimetallic catalyzed carbon nanotubes for aqueous H2, Cl2 fuel cell electrodes

Chemical vapour deposition (CVD) based synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) within the pores of porous ceramic substrates, using turpentine oil as a precursor, has been examined. Composites of Pt-Sn, Pt-Ni, Ni-Sn and Pt-Sn-Ni catalysts are tried for growing CNTs. In the CVD process, a reactor temperature of 1100 degrees C is maintained for the carbon deposition. Pt, Sri, and Ni catalysts are deposited with sputter coater, vacuum deposition and electrodeposition techniques respectively. The materials are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and resistivity measurements by the Van der Pauw method. The prepared electrodes are tested for aqueous H-2, Cl-2 fuel cells. The Linear Sweep Voltametry (LSV) characteristics and chronoamperometry (CA) of a half cell (i.e. hydrogen electrode coated with different electrocatalysts) with 40% KCl solution are measured. Composite of Pt + Ni + Sn coated carbon nanotubes shows better performance than other tried catalysts. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.