Optimum conditions for electrochemical deposition of 3-D mesoporous platinum framework

Here, we report a systematic investigation of the effect of experimental parameters on the structure, morphology and electrochemically active surface area of 3-D mesoporous platinum (Pt) framework. Template-assisted deposition of the mesoporous Pt framework is achieved using phytantriol-based inverse bicontinuous cubic phase of double diamond morphology ( Q II D ) with Pn3m symmetry. Platinum is deposited electrochemically using hexachloroplatinic acid solution present within the aqueous domains of the cubic phase template. Deposition conditions, particularly the deposition potentials, are shown to significantly affect the surface morphology, porosity and electrochemically active surface area of the deposited Pt framework. Furthermore, the effect of underlying substrate on the structure and morphology of the mesoporous Pt framework is also investigated.