Transmission electron microscopy analysis of catalytic clusters and atoms on graphene layers

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25390035
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Nanomaterials engineering
• Research Institution: National Institute for Materials Science
• Principal Investigator: Hashimoto Ayako 国立研究開発法人物質・材料研究機構, 先端材料解析研究拠点, 主任研究員 (30327689)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 透過型電子顕微鏡 / 触媒ナノ粒子 / その場観察 / カーボン担持体

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Noble metal catalysts are often used in various industries as nanoparticles dispersed on support materials because they are very rare and therefore expensive. In this study, we studied Pt-carbon based catalysts by TEM, which are used as an electrode of a fuel cell. We synthesized clusters and single atoms on graphene layers from Pt nanocolloids by heating in a vacuum. We searched for the optimum conditions to form them by changing some conditions such as heating temperature, time and so forth. In addition, we developed a TEM specimen holder system which could heat a specimen in a gas atmosphere for in-situ observation of such catalytic materials. Furthermore, we performed in-situ observation of the synthesized Pt nanoparticles on graphene using the specimen holder system and investigates the structures and behavior of the nanoparticles under a gas atmosphere at high temperature.

Free Research Field

電子顕微鏡学