CO-Tolerant Pt–BeO as a Novel Anode Electrocatalyst in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Kyungjung Kwon,Kang Lee,Sookyung Kim,Chanho Pak,Jeongsoo Sohn,Heesuk Ku,Yeojin Jung

doi:10.3390/catal6050068

Abstract

Commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) requires less expensive catalysts and higher operating voltage. Substantial anodic overvoltage with the usage of reformed hydrogen fuel can be minimized by using CO-tolerant anode catalysts. Carbon-supported Pt–BeO is manufactured so that Pt particles with an average diameter of 4 nm are distributed on a carbon support. XPS analysis shows that a peak value of the binding energy of Be matches that of BeO, and oxygen is bound with Be or carbon. The hydrogen oxidation current of the Pt–BeO catalyst is slightly higher than that of a Pt catalyst. CO stripping voltammetry shows that CO oxidation current peaks at ~0.85 V at Pt, whereas CO is oxidized around 0.75 V at Pt–BeO, which confirms that the desorption of CO is easier in the presence of BeO. Although the state-of-the-art PtRu anode catalyst is dominant as a CO-tolerant hydrogen oxidation catalyst, this study of Be-based CO-tolerant material can widen the choice of PEMFC anode catalyst.

Highlights

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are very promising technologies for various applications such as stationary and automotive power sources
Pt particles with an average diameter of 4 nm are distributed on a carbon support
In order to prepare the carbon‐supported Pt–BeO catalyst in a Pt:Be mole ratio of 1:2.3, 1 g of while a significant amount of hydrogen can adsorb on Pt–BeO, the lower coverage of CO is simultaneously observed as deduced by the lower CO oxidation peak

Summary

Introduction

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are very promising technologies for various applications such as stationary and automotive power sources. A PEMFC anode is usually comprised of Pt-based catalysts, and hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) occurs on Pt particle surfaces. The presence of CO in reformate gas is a major problem for the state-of-the-art PEMFC operating below 100 ̋ C because a very small amount (about 10 ppm) of CO can poison the Pt catalyst [1,2]. For this reason, CO oxidation or CO tolerance of Pt has been an important scientific issue. The best CO-tolerant anode catalyst is generally known to be a PtRu alloy, and its CO oxidation behavior was well characterized [3]

Methods

Results

Conclusion