Synthesis and characterization of platinum multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite film electrode

• Published in: Journal of materials science. Materials in electronics 2021-05, Vol.32 (10), p.12800-12811
• Main Authors: Ibrahim, S. O., Isah, K. U., Abdulkareem, A. S., Ahmadu, U., Tijani, J. O., Roos, W. D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acrylic resins; Bimetals; Calcium carbonate; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemical composition; Chemical synthesis; Chemical vapor deposition; Chemistry and Materials Science; Crystallography; Electrical resistivity; Electrode materials; Electrodes; Glass substrates; Materials Science; Morphology; Multi wall carbon nanotubes; Nanocomposites; Optical and Electronic Materials; Photovoltaic cells; Platinum; Solar cells
• ISSN: 0957-4522; 1573-482X
• DOI: 10.1007/s10854-020-03550-0

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were synthesized by a bimetallic (Fe–Co/CaCO 3 ) catalytic chemical vapour deposition (CCVD) method. The synthesized CNTs were purified with acid to remove the catalyst impurities to enhance the deposition of platinum (Pt) onto the CNTs surface. Platinum multiwall (Pt-MWCNTs) nanocomposites were produced by a wet impregnation technique dispersed in Texanol and Acrylic resins to form a paste. The paste was screen printed on an FTO glass substrate. Surface morphology, microstructure, chemical composition, crystallographic phase, surface area and electrical performance of the Pt-MWCNTs nanocomposites were measured by HRSEM, HRTEM, EDS, XPS and XRD. The electrical conductivity of the electrode produced was found to be 4.927 S m −1 . The results showed that the prepared nanocomposites will be a good electrode material in solar cell applications.