CO2 treatment of carbon fibers improves adsorption of fuel cell platinum

Abstract

Platinum (Pt)-based catalysts have sparked intensive interest in fuel cell research. Activated carbon fibers are widely used for electrodes due to their high conductivity, yet their surface treatment commonly involves toxic reagents. Here we treated activated carbon fibers with CO2 and H2O at 100 °C for 1 h under 20 bar. Results show that treated activated carbon fibers display a higher Pt(IV) adsorption capacity. Benefits may include lower amounts of costly Pt in fuels cells, and sequestrating CO2 in solid materials to decrease global warming.