Fabrication of high surface area graphitic nanoflakes on carbon nanotubes templates

Graphitic nanoflakes were fabricated on the carbon nanotubes templates for increasing the surface area utilizing bias assisted microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MWPECVD). The analysis of morphologies and structures were achieved by means of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The surface area of graphitic nanoflakes, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphitic nanoflakes/CNTs were 57.44 m²/g, 90.31 m²/g and 130.96 m²/g from BET measurement, respectively. The cyclic voltammetry was used to calculate the active area of platinum catalysts in 1 M sulfuric acid from hydrogen adsorption peak. An enhancement of activity could be observed from the calculation of CV results. This may be attributed to the small particle size and high dispersion of platinum particles coated on graphitic nanoflakes/CNTs. These high surface area materials could be used as catalysts supports or electrode for fuel cell applications.