The Müller group investigates electrocatalysis as a means for sustainable chemical processes, including chemical manufacturing and environmental remediation. Stable, conductive nanocatalysts are required for these processes. One-step preparation of [NiFe]-(OH)2-hydrophilic carbon fiber paper composites in situ using a pulsed laser yields better electrodes than immersion-casting laser synthesized catalyst nanoparticles onto the carbon fiber paper support. The composites were fabricated using a pulsed low-fluence 532 nm nanosecond laser and characterized by SEM, EDX, and XPS analysis. Pulsed laser grafting results in increased nanoparticle adhesion, improved electrical contact and superior catalytic activity, while being completed more inexpensively and in less steps. Carbon fiber paper is a macroscopic support, removing the need for binders and surfactants, and resulting in clearer mechanistic understanding. This versatile approach has also been used to pulsed laser graft gold nanoparticle catalysts, with similar positive effects on performance, and shows promise as a more efficient, lower cost manufacturing alternative for nanocatalysts on freestanding supports.
