Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs

Robert Garcia

Publication Date

2-9-2010

Abstract

Novel platinum nanostructures were synthesized by templating the growth of platinum on treated polymer surfaces and within disk-like aqueous bicellar assemblies. The growth mechanisms of all structures were examined in detail. Platinum hollow nanospheres with uniform shell thickness were prepared by the seeded growth of platinum on the surface of latex beads with an adsorbed porphyrin photocatalyst followed by core removal. Templating bicelles of a high yield were synthesized for the first time and verified by electron microscopy. Dendritic platinum nanowheels were obtained as a result of confined growth within the bicellar interior. Sintering experiments revealed an unusual stability of the nanowheels prompting further examination of their catalytic properties. The nanowheels have similar catalytic performance to a commercial catalyst but provide an improvement in stability. These platinum nanostructures have advantages over bulk catalyst as a result of improved surface to volume ratios leading to reduced costs in catalytic applications.

Keywords

Platinum, Nanostructures, Nanowheels, Nanospheres, Templated Growth; Nanostructured materials--Design and construction., Platinum catalysts., Chemical templates;

Sponsors

Sandia National Laboratories University of New Mexico - Center for Micro-engineered Materials

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

Degree Name

Chemical Engineering

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Chemical and Biological Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Ward, Tim

Second Committee Member

Song, Yujiang

Third Committee Member

Shelnutt, John

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