Synthesis of Homogeneous Distributed Nanoparticles Using a Fluidized Bed Reactor

Abstract

Pt-based nanoparticles supported on carbon materials are state-of-the-art electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Particle size and interparticle distance of the supported nanoparticles play a crucial role for the catalyst’s performance. The synthesis approach of wet impregnation and thermal reduction in a regular tube furnace tends to lead to inhomogeneous distributed Pt particles in terms of size and interparticle distance. Therefore, we are introducing a home-built fluidized bed reactor for the synthesis of well-distributed and locally separated nanoparticles. In this study, we present a pair of Pt nanoparticles supported on Vulcan XC 72R prepared in different furnaces. The catalysts were physicochemical characterized and electrochemical tested using rotating disk electrode (RDE) experiments. The sample prepared in the fluidized bed reactor showed superior electrochemical stability.