Carbon Surface Modifications by Plasma for Catalyst Support and Electrode Materials Applications

Plasma has been introduced in recent years as a promising method for modification of carbon materials in comparing with traditional wet chemical method, thanks to reduced energy combustion, shortened synthesis duration and undestroyed bulk structure. In this review, we present the modification of carbons on surface chemistry and the recent progress in the applications of these modified carbons in catalyst supports and electrode materials. Plasma methods show promise as a means of enhancing surface properties without destroying the bulk structure of the carbon. Interaction can occur with oxygen, nitrogen and halogens and the chemical modification at the surface can often lead to the provision of sites that can be used to anchor small (nano) particles of metals and active components. This in turn can lead to enhanced catalytic behavior, including electrocatalysis. Hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties can also be tuned via this approach, Carbons modified in this way have also shown promise as high performance electrode materials and pseudocapacitors. The review also mentions challenges and opportunities for further modification of carbons by plasma treatment and for broadening their applications.