Synthesis conditions are keys to control size and dispersion of Platinum (Pt) nanoparticle (NP) structures that are the most important factors in improving the electrochemical activity and durability of electrodes in low temperature fuel cells. In this study, five catalyst samples Pt nanoparticles on carbon support (Pt NPs/C) have been synthesized by the simple and facile method at 30 oC or 60 oC in pH = or pH = 11 solution with or without using ethylene glycol (EG). | Journal of Science and Technology 53 (4) (2016) 472-482 DOI: PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF HIGH-DISPERSED Pt/C NANO-ELECTROCATALYSTS FOR FUEL CELL APPLICATIONS Hoang Anh Huy1, Tran Van Man2, Huynh Thien Tai3, Van Thi Thanh Ho3, * 1 HoChiMinh City University of Technology, 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City 2 HoChiMinh City University of Science, 227 Nguyen Van Cu, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City 3 HoChiMinh City University of Natural Resources and Environment, 236B Le Van Sy, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City * Email: httvan@ Received: 1 November 2015; Accepted for publication: 2 June 2016 ABSTRACT Synthesis conditions are keys to control size and dispersion of Platinum (Pt) nanoparticle (NP) structures that are the most important factors in improving the electrochemical activity and durability of electrodes in low temperature fuel cells. In this study, five catalyst samples Pt nanoparticles on carbon support (Pt NPs/C) have been synthesized by the simple and facile method at 30 oC or 60 oC in pH = or pH = 11 solution with or without using ethylene glycol (EG). The morphology, size, dispersion and activity of Pt NPs/C were characterized by using Xray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) in order to evaluate the effectiveness of this synthesis process. We found that the size, morphology and dispersion of Pt NPs/C were strongly affected by adjusting the temperature, pH and the presence of ethylene glycol. Finally, through determining electrochemically active surface area of a typical catalytic sample, we were able to conclude that the procedure have been established to reach goals simple, inexpensive but still can improve the catalytic activity for methanol oxidation reaction in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). Keywords: Pt/C, Pt nanoparticles, Pt electrochemical active surface area, Pt/C catalyst, PtNPs/C. 1. INTRODUCTION Platinum is one .
