@article { ISI:000287924700049,
	title = {Enhanced electrocatalytic performance of interconnected Rh nano-chains towards formic acid oxidation},
	journal = {Energy \& Environmental Science},
	volume = {4},
	number = {3},
	year = {2011},
	month = {MAR},
	pages = {1029-1036},
	publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY},
	address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND},
	abstract = {<p>A chain-like assembly of rhodium nanoparticles (5-7 nm mean diameter) has been synthesized from rhodium chloride with the help of polydentate molecules like tartaric and ascorbic acids (1 : 3 in mM scale) as capping agents at room temperature. Subsequent characterization using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals a unique inter-connected network like features, while their electrochemical behavior using cyclic voltammetry and current-time transient suggests potential applications as electrocatalysts in fuel cells. A significant negative shift in the onset potential as well as higher anodic peak current density for formic acid oxidation on Rh-tartaric acid (Rh-TA) as compared to that of bulk Rh metal confirms their higher electrocatalytic activity. Interestingly, the enhancement factor (R) with respect to that of bulk metallic Rh towards formic acid oxidation ranges up to 2000\% for Rh-TA and 1200\% for Rh-AA (Rh-ascorbic acid) respectively. The composition of Rh nano-chains has been further analyzed with thermogravimetry and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy to demonstrate the importance of controlling the chain topology using polyfunctional organic molecules. These findings open up new possibilities for tailoring nanostructured electrodes with potential benefits since the development of a better electrocatalysts for many fuel cell reactions continues to be an important challenge.</p>},
	issn = {1754-5692},
	doi = {10.1039/c0ee00219d},
	author = {Sathe, Bhaskar R. and Balan, Beena K. and Pillai, Vijayamohanan K.}
}
@article { ISI:000315720000020,
	title = {Effect of the viscosity of poly(benzimidazole) on the performance of a multifunctional electrocatalyst with an ideal interfacial structure},
	journal = {Journal of Materials Chemistry A},
	volume = {1},
	number = {13},
	year = {2013},
	month = {JAN},
	pages = {4265-4276},
	publisher = {ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY},
	address = {THOMAS GRAHAM HOUSE, SCIENCE PARK, MILTON RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 0WF, CAMBS, ENGLAND},
	abstract = {<p>A novel electrocatalyst system with unique multifunctional characteristics, originated by the presence of a proton conducting polybenzimidazole (PBI-BuI) bound layer and electron conducting hollow carbon nanofibers (CNF) with catalytically active Pt nanoparticles, has been devised based on a simple strategy. This was achieved by decorating Pt nanoparticles along the inner cavity, as well as on the outer walls of the hollow CNF support (F-Pt). In a further extension, a low molecular weight PBI, synthesized by optimizing the experimental parameters, was incorporated into the inner cavity and along the outer surfaces of F-Pt. Excellent dispersion of the Pt nanoparticles was achieved by properly utilizing the available carbon surface results in improved electrocatalytic activity, while the CNF backbone ensures high electron conductivity as well. The polymer binder coverage formed along the inner and outer wall surfaces provides an efficient triple phase boundary (TPB) around the Pt nanoparticles to facilitate the electrode reactions. The amount and the viscosity of the PBI-BuI in the electrode material were systematically varied to study the influence on the electrochemical performance. Transmission electron microscopy analysis confirms PBI insertion into the tubular cavity of CNF. Pore size distribution analysis implies that both the viscosity and the amount of PBI-BuI have a pivotal role in defining the microstructure of the electrode. Electrochemical studies using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and rotating disc electrode (RDE) reveal the exceptionally high activity of this hybrid material with an improved electrochemically active area. The significant improvement for the oxygen reduction reaction is further confirmed by the single cell analysis also. The high power density displayed by the PBI-BuI based system, as compared to the Nafion based system, validates the conceptualization of the well controlled triple-phase boundary in the system. These results demonstrate that PBI-BuI has a constructive effect in tuning the electrochemical activity at an optimum amount and at a favourable viscosity of the proton conducting polymer.</p>},
	issn = {2050-7488},
	doi = {10.1039/c3ta00165b},
	author = {Balan, Beena K. and Unni, Bipinlal and Chaudhari, Harshal D. and Kharul, Ulhas K. and Kurungot, Sreekumar}
}
