3D-polythiophene foam on a TiO2 nanotube array as a substrate for photogenerated Pt nanoparticles as an advanced catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction

Abstract

The development of novel substrates that possess high durability, strong anchoring to catalytic metal nanoparticles and low charge transfer resistance as well as that can replace conventional carbon is of great importance. To improve the durability and reduce the cost of various energy devices, new methodologies are necessary. Therefore, we report the preparation of a macroporous hybrid material containing polythiophene electropolymerized onto TiO2 nanotubes (TNT). The prepared foam-like hybrid material exhibited a very low charge transfer resistance and was further modified with novel and green photogenerated Pt nanoparticles. The material exhibited very strong metal substrate interactions, resulting in high durability during the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). This study proposes a novel macroporous organic/inorganic hybrid material for use as an alternative material to replace conventional carbon substrates in ORR catalysts. The present study details the preparation of a macroporous hybrid material containing polythiophene electropolymerized onto TiO2 nanotubes (TNT). The prepared foam-like hybrid material showed a very low charge transfer resistance. Upon decoration with Pt using our novel and green photogeneration method, the material exhibited very strong metal substrate interactions, resulting in high durability during the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). This study proposes a novel macroporous organic/inorganic hybrid material for use as an alternative material to replace conventional carbon substrates in ORR catalysts.