Pulse electrodeposited cathode catalyst layers for PEM fuel cells. (11th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Egetenmeyer, A.; Radev, I.; Durneata, D.; Baumgärtner, M.; Peinecke, V.; Natter, H.; Hempelmann, R.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 42:Number 19(2017)
• Page Start: 13649
• Page End: 13660
• Publication Date: 2017-05-11
• Subjects: PEMFC -- Plasma activation -- Pulsed electrodeposition -- Cathode catalyst layer -- Platinum -- Platinum–cobalt alloys; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.01.212
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Nanostructured Pt and Pt3 Co cathodes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have been prepared by pulse electrodeposition. For high utilization the catalyst nanoparticles are directly deposited on the microporous layer (MPL) of a commercial available gas diffusion layer (GDL). In order to increase the hydrophilic nature of the substrate surface and thus improve drastically the electrodeposition process and the fuel cell performance, prior to electrodeposition, the carbon substrate is submitted to O2 /Ar plasma activation. Cathodes with different amounts and distributions of Aquivion ionomer within the cathode catalyst layer (CCL) thickness ("homogeneous", "gradient" and "anti-gradient"), different catalysts (Pt and Pt3 Co) at varied plasma duration and catalyst loading have been prepared. The cathodes are analysed via attenuated total reflection (ATR-IR), goniometer, SEM, 0.5 M H2 SO4 half-cell and 25 cm 2 H2 /Air single PEMFC. The highest single fuel cell performance is obtained for 2 min plasma activated Pt3 Co cathode. Highlights: Optimized nanostructured Pt and Pt3 Co PEMFC cathodes have been prepared by pulse electrodeposition. Innovative plasma activation procedure of the GDL improves drastically PEMFC performance. Ionomer gradients in the cathode catalyst layer influence significantly PEMFC performance. The highest performance is achieved for 2 min plasma activated Pt3 Co cathode.