Oxygen reduction kinetics is the major area of concern for the development of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Pt/C, the most common catalyst to catalyze this ORR has inherent limitations such as cost, corrosion and instability. Composites of titania nanotubes (TNTs) with carbon materials that were prepared to overcome these limitations require arduous preparation methods. Recent report by our group on functionalised acetylene black (FAB) which showed higher activity than commercially available catalyst is highly advantageous. FAB is unique in its way with many oxygen functionalities which helps in nano partcles decoration and also in absorbing electrolyte thereby reducing interface properties. Herein we aimed at designing a hybrid material consisting of FAB and TNTs decorated with Pt nanoparticles to investigate electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The research would involve in designing of hybrid material by ionic bond formation between TiO–OH groups on TNTs and carboxyl groups on FAB followed by decoration with Pt nano particles by photoreduction method. Composite was prepared by dispersing, stirring, and refluxing. H2PtCl6 and formic acid (hole scavenger) was added to this mixture and irradiated the mixture with solar simulator for decoration of Pt nano particles. The composite along with Pt nano particle formation was confirmed by TEM. Particle size was found to be 2 nm.

TiO2 nano tubes/functionalised acetylene black composites decorated with pt nanoparticles as electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

255th National Meeting (2018)

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