Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Chemistry
Date of Award
12-2011
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Peng Sun
Committee Members
Aleksey N. Vasiliev, Chu-Ngi Ho
Abstract
Hydrogen evolution via proton reduction occurs at a high rate at the surface of Pt than at Au electrodes. Using cyclic voltammetry, chemically modified nanometer-sized Au electrodes, prepared by the Laser-Assisted Puller Method, were employed to examine current amplification by electrocalysis at Pt nanoparticles adsorbed on the modified Au electrode surfaces. The electrodes were modified with Self-Assembled Monolayers (SAMs) of cysteamine and soaked in Pt colloid solutions overnight. Monitoring the decrements of the characteristic steady-state catalytic current for proton reduction indicated that aggregates of Pt nanoparticles are adsorbed on the cysteamine monolayers and desorb from them particle by particle. The results also indicate that some particles are strongly attached to the modified electrode surface and do not deplete even after thorough rinsing.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Lakbub, Jude, "Fabrication of Chemically Modified Nanometer-sized Gold Electrodes and Their Application in Electrocatalysis at Pt Nanoparticles." (2011). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 1385. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1385
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.