Effect of Pt–Pd/C coupled catalyst loading and polybenzimidazole ionomer binder on oxygen reduction reaction in high-temperature PEMFC. (2nd August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yusof, M.S.M.; Jalil, A.A.; Ahmad, A.; Triwahyono, S.; Othman, M.H.D.; Abdullah, T.A.T.; Firmansyah, M.L.; Setiabudi, H.D.; Johari, A.; Nabgan, W.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 44:Number 37(2019)
• Page Start: 20760
• Page End: 20769
• Publication Date: 2019-08-02
• Subjects: Pt-Pd/C catalyst -- Polybenzimidazole ionomer -- Oxygen reduction reaction -- High temperature-PEMFC; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2018.07.192
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Polybenzimidazole (PBI) was studied as an ionomer binder at varying ratios (1–7) in a 20–40 wt% Pt–Pd/C cathode-coupled catalyst layer for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in a high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC). Catalytic activity was examined by CV and LSV, while the properties of the catalysts were characterized by FESEM-EDX, N2 adsorption–desorption, XRD and FTIR. The results showed that the distribution of metals on the carbon surface, carbon wall thickness and the interaction between ionomer and coupled catalysts affected the ORR performance. The fabricated membrane electrode assembly with 5:95 PBI: 30 wt% Pt–Pd/C catalyst ratio exhibited the best performance and highest durability for HT-PEMFC at 170 °C, yielding a power density of 1.30 Wcm −2 with 0.02 mgPt /cm Pt loading. This performance of ultra-low metal loading of coupled Pt–Pd/C electrocatalyst with PBI binder was comparable to those reported by other studies, highlighting a promising catalyst for fuel cell application. Highlights: 30 wt% Pt–Pd/C was the best coupled catalyst for ORR in the HT-PEMFC studied. Polybenzimidazole (PBI) acts as an ionomer binder to enhance ORR performance. Metal dispersion and carbon wall thickness affect ORR performance. The ionomer‒catalyst interaction affects ORR performance. The 5:95 of PBI:catalyst ratio gave the highest power density (1.30 Wcm -2 ) at 170 °C.