Electrochemical modification of steel by platinum nanoparticles

Abstract

The aim of this study was to synthesize low-concentration catalysts with a highly developed surface based on nanodispersed platinum deposited onto the steel surface electrochemically modified with the use of an ionic liquid. Sintered fibers of austenitic steel without pretreatment (steel 1) and etched with hydrochloric acid to remove surface oxides (steel 2) were used as substrates. 1-Butyl-4-methylimidazolium acetate [BMIM][Ac] ionic liquid was used. Variation of the current intensity and anodic treatment time leads to the formation of different structures at the steel surface. For steel 2, optimal conditions leading to self-organization, namely, formation of hexagonal structures, have been selected. It has been demonstrated that formation of nanostructures at the steel surface can occur without the participation of fluoride ions. Low-concentration (Pt/steel 2) catalysts with a uniform distribution of platinum nanoparticles over the surface were prepared via galvanostatic deposition from an aqueous solution of H₂PtCl₆.