Electrocatalysis on nanoscale ruthenium-based material manufactured by carbonyl decomposition

The electrochemical characteristics of ruthenium-based particles synthesised from carbonyl chemical precursors in two solvent media are reported. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements revealed that this material in powder form, synthesised as described, is in the nanoscale range. Its reactivity with air depends on the solvent used in the manufacture of the powder. Micro-diffraction data revealed the nanocrystalline nature of the powder particles as well as the process leading to an amorphous state (oxide-like phase formation) when oxygen co-ordinates with the nanoscale ruthenium. This phenomenon influences the electrocatalytic process for the molecular oxygen reduction in acid medium. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.