Estimation of the chemical specific surface area of catalytic nanoparticles by TEM images analysis

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is the development of quantitative methods for assessing the quality of nanocomposite materials used in fuel cells. Design/methodology/approach: latinum is the most commonly used catalyst in fuel cells, commonly in the form of nanoparticles deposited on the surface of carbon black. Due to the nanometric size of platinum particles, transmission electron microscopy can be applied to evaluate the produced catalysts. TEM image also allow to determinate the approximate value of the chemical specific surface area) of platinum nanoparticles, but only in case of spherical particles. Findings: In present work, taking into account additional assumptions resulting directly from the analysis of microscopic images, the method of estimation of the particle diameter and the chemical specific surface area for nonsymmetrical (elongated) nanoparticles is present. Research limitations/implications: The presented work presents a method for determining the specific surface of platinum, when their shape is elongated. It is worth noting that the modified formulas for determining the particle diameter and the value of the chemically active specific surface of the platinum nanoparticles of the elongated shape are equivalent to the formulas previously given for spherical particles, if the particle length and its diameter are equal. In this case, patterns for symmetric particles and more general (modified) patterns can be used interchangeably. Practical implications: Development of new and more effective catalysts for fuel cells. Originality/value: The significance of the presented work results from the possibility of using the described method in the catalyst studies during real catalytic processes. It allows comparing catalytic activity after the process, also in unusual conditions and in an aggressive environment, using minimal amounts of material.