On the role of surface functional groups in Pt carbon interaction

Abstract

The interaction between platinum crystallites and surface functional groups of carbon in a homologously prepared series of Pt/C catalysts for phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC) applications has been studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and potentiometric titration techniques. It has been found that the platinum surface area depends on the amount of oxygenated groups on the carbon support. In addition, relationships between the platinum electroactive surface area and the acid-base nature of support functionalities have been found. The carbon support functional groups have been shown to affect the electronic nature of the platinum states.