Self-organized platinum nanoparticles on freestanding graphene

Abstract

Freestanding graphene membranes were successfully functionalized with platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs). High-resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed a homogeneous distribution of single-crystal Pt NPs that tend to exhibit a preferred orientation. Unexpectedly, the NPs were also found to be partially exposed to the vacuum with the top Pt surface raised above the graphene substrate, as deduced from atomic-scale scanning tunneling microscopy images and detailed molecular dynamics simulations. Local strain accumulation during the growth process is thought to be the origin of the NP self-organization. These findings are expected to shape future approaches in developing Pt NP catalysts for fuel cells as well as NP-functionalized graphene-based high-performance electronics.

Department(s)

Physics, Astronomy, and Materials Science

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1021/nn406394f

Keywords

fuel cells, graphene, molecular dynamics, platinum, self-organization, STM, TEM

Publication Date

3-25-2014

Journal Title

ACS Nano

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