PVD Synthesis and Characterization of Pt-Modified Molybdenum Carbides as Potential Electrocatalysts

This current study attempts to explore the possibility of using molybdenum carbides (Mo-C) and platinum (Pt) modified Mo-C as electrocatalysts. Magnetron sputtering physical vapor deposition (PVD) has been utilized to deposit Mo-C thin films on carbon foam substrates. The electrochemical stability and activity of Pt-coated foam, Mo-C coated foam, and Pt-modified Mo-C are evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV). Samples are then analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to confirm their stability. Overall, Pt-modified Mo-C shows enhanced activity and stability compared to carbon-supported Pt and a higher activity than Mo-C, indicating a synergistic effect on catalyst activity and stability by depositing low coverages of Pt on the Mo-C electrocatalysts.