Non Thermal Plasma Functionalized 2D Carbon–Carbon Composites as Supports for Co Nanoparticles

Novel two-dimensional carbon–carbon composites made of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) supported on a carbon preform were functionalized by non thermal plasma treatment (room temperature, atmospheric pressure, humid air), before being used as supports for metallic cobalt nanoparticles. It was shown that the degree of functionalization of the carbon nanofibers depends on the plasma power input, the treatment time and the CNF loading. The size of the cobalt nanoparticles generated after subsequent reduction of the Co-containing plasma treated CNF/C composites under hydrogen flow seems to be independent of the amount of supported cobalt. Changes in surface characteristics were analyzed using thermogravimetric analyses coupled to a mass spectrometer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses and Raman spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy was used to complementary characterize the final size, dispersion and location of the so generated Co nanoparticles.