Microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition of nano-composite C/Pt thin-films

Composite carbon–platinum thin-films of nano-crystalline graphitic carbon decorated with uniformly-dispersed 2–4 nm Pt nano-particles have been synthesized from a solid organic precursor by a one-step microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD). The fast Ar-plasma discharge and the presence of microwave radiation accelerate the formation of sites suitable for in situ heterogeneous nucleation, and consequently, the fine dispersion of metal in the carbonaceous matrix. The electrochemical response of the 2 μm C/Pt thin-film electrode displays electrochemical activity, which is attributed to the high ca. 18 m²/g effective surface area of Pt nano-particles.