2004 Cells

CellsF 3000 Simple Solid-Phase Synthesis of Hollow Graphitic Nanoparticles and Their

Application to Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Electrodes. — Hollow graphitic nano-particles, with particle sizes ranging from 30 to 40 nm, and shell thicknesses of about 5—8 nm, are synthesized by heat treatment of an aqueous solution containing a resor-cinol—formaldehyde carbon precursor and Co- and Ni-salts, followed by KMnO4 ox-idation (900 °C, 3 h). Using these particles as a catalyst support for a direct methanol fuel cell, the current density and maximum power density of catalyst supported on the hollow graphitic nanoparticles is higher than those of a commercial catalyst, as a result of the high electrical conductivity and small particle size of the nanoparticles. This solid phase synthesis, employing a cheap polymeric carbon precursor, can be applied to large scale and economical production of hollow graphitic nanoparticles. — (HAN, S.; YUN, Y.; PARK, K.-W.; SUNG, Y.-E.; HYEON*, T.; Adv. Mater. (Weinheim, Ger.) 15 (2003) 22, 1922-1925; Natl. Creat. Res. Initiative Cent., Seoul Natl. Univ., Seoul 151-744, S. Korea; Eng.) — W. Pewestorf

05- 017