Porous nanoparticle membranes: Synthesis and application as fuel-cell catalysts

The synthesis and application of nanoporous membranes of single-layered nanoparticles, such as anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) porous substrates used as fuel catalysts, were analyzed. An AAO template was attached to a piece of glass slide and dipped into a Langmuir trough containing the nanoparticles, which were compressed into a monolayer and transferred onto the surface of the AAO template at a surface pressure of 45 mNm^-1. The electrocatalytic property of these porous membranes in direct methanol oxidation was examined using a three-electrode chemical station. The results show that these porous membranes can potentially be used as active components in electrodes for low-temperature fuel cells.