Hybridized Platinum Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are useful in devices that require a conductive surface with high surface area. CNTs are specifically useful because they can be grown directly on to metal substrates allowing a direct electrical path from an electrode material to the sample.  In this study, CNTs were grown through plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition and then hybridized with platinum.  It was determined that the most particle coverage occurred during a 20 hour synthesis of Pt with the CNTs.  Deposition of Pt particles was also tested with a higher concentration of Pt.  4.50 x 10^-6 mMol Pt (acac) was used in a 24 and 48 hour reaction and coverage was determined to be 30% in the 24 and 40% in the 48 hour reaction.  The CNTs also increased the surface area of each sample ~20-100%.  Raman spectroscopy confirmed that no damage was done to the CNTs during the synthesis process.  CV analysis showed that the Pt particles hindered conductivity on the CNT samples with a lower diffusion rate.