One‐step Synthesis and Chemical Characterization of Pt–C Nanowire Composites by Plasma Sputtering

Abstract

Plasma increases activity: A one-step synthesis of Pt-C nanowire composites using a plasma co-deposition method is reported. Electrodes with a very low Pt loading can be obtained. Pt particles with sizes ranging from 1 to 2 nm are decorating the columnar carbon nanostructures because of strong interactions. The composite microstructure is responsible for a very high metal utilization rate as exemplified by reactions occurring in fuel cell electrodes.