In the field of catalytic material preparation, dispersibility and loading stability directly determine the activity and lifespan of catalysts. The combination of ultrasonic cell disruption technology and Nafion solution treatment provides an efficient solution to core challenges such as catalyst agglomeration and uneven loading, becoming a key preparation method in fields such as electrocatalysis and organic synthesis.
The core advantage of ultrasonic cell disruption technology stems from the cavitation effect induced by ultrasound. When the high-frequency sound waves generated by the instrument act on the liquid system, a large number of tiny cavitation bubbles are formed. These bubbles rapidly expand and collapse under the action of sound pressure, instantly generating a local high-temperature and high-pressure environment and a strong microjets. This physical effect not only effectively breaks down the agglomeration structure between catalyst particles, dispersing them into nanoscale units, but also increases the exposure of active sites on the particle surface, laying the foundation for subsequent modification. In the preparation of metal-based catalysts, ultrasonic treatment can ensure uniform distribution of metal nanoparticles, avoiding the particle size inhomogeneity problem caused by traditional stirring, and significantly improving the catalytic reaction rate.
Nafion solution plays multiple key roles in catalyst modification. Its unique tetrafluoroethylene framework and sulfonic acid group structure endow the material with excellent proton exchange capacity and ion selectivity, while its polymer properties provide good adhesion. In the field of electrocatalysis, Nafion solution and catalyst are mixed in a certain proportion, ultrasonically dispersed to form a homogeneous slurry, and then loaded onto the electrode surface. This enhances the adsorption capacity of the substrate on the catalyst surface through fluorine-π interactions, and the sulfonic acid groups regulate the interfacial water structure, suppressing side reactions.
The synergistic application of these two technologies requires strict control of process parameters. Typically, a 0.5% wt-1% wt Nafion solution is used, mixed with the catalyst and solvents such as ethanol in a certain proportion, and then treated with an ultrasonic cell disruption device for 30-60 minutes to ensure a homogeneous and stable dispersion system. The control of ultrasonic power is particularly critical; too high a power can damage the catalyst particle structure, while too low a power will not achieve effective dispersion. Precise settings are required based on the catalyst type. After dispersion, the slurry is loaded onto the carrier surface using a drop-coating or spray-coating process, and after drying, a robust catalytic layer is formed.
Ultrasonic disruption ensures the dispersion quality of the catalyst, while Nafion modification optimizes the catalytic interface environment. Together, they achieve a simultaneous improvement in catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability. With continuous process optimization, this technical approach will undoubtedly provide stronger support for the large-scale preparation of highly efficient catalysts.
