Date of Completion

5-9-2014

Embargo Period

5-9-2014

Keywords

nanoparticles, catalyst, flame spray pyrolysis, fuel cell, electrolysis, reactive spray deposition technology

Major Advisor

Dr. Radenka Maric

Co-Major Advisor

Dr. C. Barry Carter

Associate Advisor

Dr. William Mustain

Associate Advisor

Dr. George Rossetti

Associate Advisor

Dr. Ramamurthy Ramprasad

Field of Study

Materials Science and Engineering

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Open Access

Open Access

Abstract

Flame synthesis is a nanoparticle formation and thin-film deposition process that is continuous, scalable, and adaptable to creating a variety of microstructural architectures with multi-element components. Control of both microstructure and chemical composition are key qualities to harness the potential of nanotechnology so that widespread uptake in the market can occur. This thesis explores the process-structure relationships that exist in the flame synthesis of platinum. Process parameters such as stoichiometry, fuel composition, and quenching are investigated in relation to their effect on microstructure. A study of the RSDT hardware configuration, stable operating ranges for key process parameters, and geometry is examined. These process conditions are then related to the evolution of morphology in the synthesized Pt nanoparticles. Two case studies using Pt, deposited as films, for both oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution are presented to illustrate the electrochemical response of different systems using catalysts produced by flame synthesis. A third case study explores the bimetallic IrxPt1-xO2-y and IrxRu1-xO2-y systems synthesized by a RSDT for oxygen evolution of water in an electrolytic cell.

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