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Supercritical Fluid Synthesis and Characterization of Catalytic Metal Nanoparticles on Carbon Nanotubes

Journal Article · · Journal of Materials Chemistry
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1039/b308124a· OSTI ID:15007326

A rapid, convenient and environmentally benign method has been developed for the fabrication of metal nanoparticle/multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites. Nanoparticles of palladium, rhodium and ruthenium are deposited onto functionalized MWCNTs through a simple hydrogen reduction of metal-?-diketone precursors in supercritical carbon dioxide, and are characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. These highly dispersed nanoparticles, with a narrow range of size distribution and good adhesion on MWCNT surfaces, are expected to exhibit promising catalytic properties for a variety of chemical reactions. Preliminary experiments demonstrate that Pd nanoparticles supported on MWCNTs are effective catalysts for hydrogenation of olefins in carbon dioxide. The Pd nanoparticle?MWCNT composite also shows a high electrocatalytic activity in oxygen reduction for potential fuel cell application.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Lab., Richland, WA (US), Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Department of Energy (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
15007326
Report Number(s):
PNNL-SA-40131; 1573
Journal Information:
Journal of Materials Chemistry, Journal Name: Journal of Materials Chemistry Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 14; ISSN JMACEP; ISSN 0959-9428
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English