Carbon Monoxide Oxidation on Nanostructured Pt Thin Films Synthesized by Pulsed Laser Deposition: Insights into the Morphology Effects

Nanostructured Pt thin film catalysts of various morphologies have been synthesized by pulsed laser deposition and studied towards enhancing their tolerance to CO poisoning, a reaction of critical issue to liquid fuel cells. It was discovered that Pt film deposited under 5 Torr of He background pressure showed the highest electroactive surface area and the lowest onset potential of CO oxidation demonstrating an enhancement of the CO poisoning resistance. The reason for such enhanced electrocatalytic activity is ascribed to the high roughness of Pt surface. This study further provides a methodology for the proper design of electrocatalysts that might be considered to be developed by the pulsed laser deposition technique.