Improved lifetime of PEM fuel cell catalysts through polymer stabilization

Journal article

A novel approach to increase lifetime of Pt/C catalysts was demonstrated and shown that Nafion-stabilized Pt catalyst (denoted here as Nafion-Pt/C) synthesized by a colloid route gives rise to an enhanced durability as compared to a conventional Pt/C catalysts commonly used in PEM fuel cell. A high catalytic activity of the catalyst is also observed by both CV (cyclic voltammetry) and ORR (oxygen reduction reaction) measurements. This catalyst durability in comparison with conventional Pt/C is increased directly by electrochemically-accelerated durability test (ADT). The loss rate of electrochemical active area (ECA) for Nafion-Pt/C catalysts is only 0.004 m2 g-1 cycle-1, compared to a value of 0.012 m2 g-1 cycle-1 for Pt/C. This indicates the catalyst is three times higher durability than Pt/C. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Authors: Cheng, N; Mu, S; Pan, M; Edwards, P

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: ELECTROCHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 8
• Pages: 1610-1614
• Publication date: 2009-08-01
• DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2009.06.009
• ISSN: 1388-2481
• Keywords: Nafion-stabilized Pt catalyst; Catalyst; Catalyst durability; Fuel cell