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Size-controlled electrodeposition of Cu nanoparticles on gas diffusion electrodes in methanesulfonic acid solution

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Abstract

In this paper electrodeposition is used to obtain Cu nanoparticles, as it allows good control over particle size and distribution. These Cu particles were deposited onto a gas diffusion electrode which increased the resulting surface area. Prior to deposition, the surface was pre-treated with NaOH, HNO3, MQ and TX100 to investigate the influence on the electrodeposition of Cu on the gas diffusion electrode (GDE). When using HNO3, the smallest particles with the most homogeneous distribution and high particle roughness were obtained. Once the optimal substrate was determined, we further demonstrated that by altering the electrodeposition parameters, the particle size and density could be tuned. On the one hand, increasing the nucleation potential led to a higher particle density resulting in smaller particles because of an increased competition between particles. Finally, the Cu particle size increased when applying a greater growth charge and growth potential. This fundamental study thus opens up a path towards the synthesis of supported Cu materials with increased surface areas, which is interesting from a catalytic point of view. Larger surface areas are generally correlated with a better catalyst performance and thus higher product yields. This research can contributed in obtaining new insides into the deposition of metallic nanoparticles on rough surfaces.

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Funding

L. Pacquets was supported through a PhD fellowship strategic basic research (1S56918N) of the Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO). N. Daems was supported through a postdoctoral fellowship (12Y3919N—ND) of the Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO). S. Neukermans was supported through an FWO project grant (G093317N). This research was financed by the research counsel of the university of Antwerp (BOF-GOA 33928). The authors recognize the contribution of Thomas Kenis for analytical validation and methodology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ELCAT, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium

    L. Pacquets, E. Irtem, S. Neukermans, N. Daems & T. Breugelmans

  2. EMAT, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerpen, Belgium

    L. Pacquets & S. Bals

  3. VITO, Separation & Conversion Technologies, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium

    N. Daems & T. Breugelmans

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  1. L. Pacquets
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Pacquets, L., Irtem, E., Neukermans, S. et al. Size-controlled electrodeposition of Cu nanoparticles on gas diffusion electrodes in methanesulfonic acid solution. J Appl Electrochem 51, 317–330 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10800-020-01474-5

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