Carbon fibre-supported noble metal catalysts: Optimization of fibre pretreatment

The cation exchange capacity of surface oxides on graphite-like highly oriented carbon fibres is studied as being the most important property for their suitability as catalyst supports. Surface oxidation of the fibres is achieved by d.c. oxidation or by repetitive anodic oxidation and cathodic reduction of carbon fibres in acidic, alkaline and neutral aqueous media. The latter method has the advantage of forming thick layers of effective surface oxides without damaging the fibre core.