Characterization of Electrode with Various of Pt-Ru/C Catalyst Loading and the Performance Test of Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) in Passive Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC)

Abstract

Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) is the most important component in fuel cell devices. Electrodes composing MEA greatly determine the performance and durability of its application in passive Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC). Fabrication and characterization of electrodes with various loading Pt-Ru/C catalysts and their application to DMFC have been carried out. The XRD characterization results indicate the presence of C atoms which are indicated by the appearance of peaks at angles 2θ = 25°-30°. In areas, 44.4° and 45.1° indicate the presence of Ru even with low intensity and platinum in the area of 54.67°, 39.86°, 54.736°, 39.88°, and 68.3°. The highest ECSA value and electrical conductivity and low resistance showed the best catalytic activity possessed by electrodes with the loading of Pt-Ru/C catalyst 10 mg/cm2. MEA with a catalyst loading of 8 mg/cm2 is known to have a fairly large initial voltage before the load is given based on the results of Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) measurements. The MEA performance was observed based on I-V and I-P performance tests using the SMART2 WonAtech Fuel Cell Test Station on passive DMFC stacks with 3 M methanol as fuel. The best MEA shown in MEA with catalyst loading is 10 mg/cm2 because it can maintain and achieve a voltage and power density that is quite higher than other MEAs in each load increase in the form of current density.