Platinum Deposition on Carbon Nanotubes via Chemical Modification

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes can be functionalized by oxidation of HNO3 or H2SO4−HNO3. The latter shows a higher capability in producing a high density of surface functional groups. These groups can act as specific nucleation sites for a well-dispersed deposition of Pt clusters on the surface of carbon nanotubes. These modified carbon nanotube materials were investigated by TEM, XPS, and DRIFT. A deposition mechanism is tentatively proposed and discussed.