Nanostructured electrocatalytic Pt-carbon materials for fuel cells and CO2 conversion

Abstract

The recent growing possibilities for the preparation, in large quantities and at low cost, of a number of different types of nanostructured carbons (carbon nanotubes, nanofibers, nano-and meso-porous materials, nanocoils and nanohorns, etc.) have open new possibilities in a range of applications: H₂ storage, electronic and field emission devices, advanced sensors, polymer reinforcement, and catalyst support. Nonetheless, most authors consider the use of these advanced nanostructured carbons with respect to carbon black only for the possibility of improving metal dispersion and/or utilization. However, these nanostructured carbons offer several additional aspects that make them highly interesting to develop advanced electrocatalysts.