Preparation and electrochemical behaviors of platinum nanocluster catalysts deposited on plasma-treated carbon nanotube supports

The surface characteristics of plasma-treated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were determined by acid–base value measurements using Boehmʹs titration method. The electrochemical activities of the catalyst electrodes were analyzed by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) experiments. Plasma treatment on the CNTs at 300 W intensity brought the novel free radicals on the carbon surfaces. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results for above CNTs-supported platinum catalysts showed that the highest Pt loading efficiency and the highest composition of metal oxidation state when the treatment time was 30 s. Accordingly, the above catalysts exhibited the best electroactivity among the samples.