Masters Theses

Li Ren

Abstract

"In the thesis work, Pt-based binary, ternary, quaternary alloy anode catalysts supported on sonochemically treated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were synthesized with ethylene glycol reduction of corresponding metal chloride salts. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used for catalyst characterization. Cyclic voltammetry for methanol oxidation and CO stripping were used to evaluate the performance of the catalysts.

PtRu nanoparticles supported on CNTs (PtRu/CNT) were prepared under a series of pHs. It was found that the PtRu particle size, composition, and catalytic activity were all sensitive to the deposition pHs. CO stripping results provided the peak potential and active surface area for each catalyst. The atomic ratios tended to approach the predetermined ratio 1:1 with the increase of pH, which is favored by bi-functional catalytic mechanism. PtRu catalysts prepared at higher pHs presented better electrochemical activity toward methanol oxidation. Humidified oxygen treatment of the PtRu/CNT led to improved activity of the catalysts toward methanol electro-oxidation, implying that Ru hydroxide is better than Ru as a co-catalyst.

PtRu, PtOs, PtRuOs, and PtRuOsIr nanoparticles supported on CNTs with atomic ratios of Pt:Ru (tr:46), Pt:Os (80:20), Pt:Ru:Os (54:36:10), and Pt:Ru:Os:Ir (44:36:10:5) were prepared. Cyclic voltammetry for the methanol oxidation and CO stripping at the catalysts showed that PtRu/CNT and PtRuOsIr/CNT have the best performance toward methanol oxidation, PtRuOs/CNT has the lowest activity, but PtOs/CNT exhibits better catalytic activity only at potential or 0.73 V"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Xing, Yangchuan

Committee Member(s)

Chusuei, Charles C.
Ludlow, Douglas K.

Department(s)

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Chemical Engineering

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Fall 2007

Pagination

ix, 77 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 70-76).

Rights

© 2007 Li Ren, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Catalysts -- AnalysisFuel cells -- DesignMethanol as fuelNanotechnology

Thesis Number

T 9890

Print OCLC #

785417105

Electronic OCLC #

906029381

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