• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
• /
• v.1 no.2
• /
• pp.92-96
• /
• 2010

A new synthesis method for the preparation of Pt electrocatalysts on carbon nanofibers (CNFs) is reported. In this method, Pt electrocatalysts are loaded onto 2-naphthalenethiol (NT) functionalized CNFs. The noncovalent functionalization of CNFs by NT is the effective way for better distribution of Pt particles and higher electrocatalytic activity in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. It was found that the presence of NT acts as a poison to catalysts. Therefore, it is necessary to remove NT through the heat treatment at $400^{\circ}C$.

• Macromolecular Research
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.163-168
• /
• 2008

Polystyrene/gold nanoparticle (PS/AuNP) composite fibers were fabricated using an electrospinning technique. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the diameters of the naphthalenethiol-capped gold nanoparticles (prior to incorporation into the PS fibers) ranged from 2 to 5 nm. UV-vis spectroscopy revealed the surface plasmon peaks of the gold nanoparticles centered at approximately 512 nm, indicating that nano-sized Au particles are well-dispersed in solution. This was consistent with the TEM observations. The electrospun nanofibers of PS/AuNP composites were approximately 60-3,000 nm in diameter. The surface morphology of the PS/AuNP composite and the dispersability of the Au nanoparticles inside of PS after electrospinning process were investigated by SEM and TEM. The thermal behavior of the pure PS and PS/AuNP nanocomposites and fibers were examined by DSC.