(Digital Presentation) Synthesis of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Catalyst and Optimization of Membrane Electrode Assembly Preparation Parameters

Abstract

The oxygen reduction catalyst was synthesized by depositing Pt nanoparticles on carbon black using ethylene glycol as a reducing agent. The synthesized catalyst material contained approximately 60 wt% of Pt, and the average Pt crystallite size was under 3 nm. The catalyst had a micro-mesoporous structure with a specific surface area of 320 m2 g−1. Electrochemical characterization was performed in H2/air fuel cell. The catalyst was deposited on the Nafion membrane or gas diffusion layer using an ultrasonic coating system. The thickness of Teflon gaskets as well as hot pressing conditions were optimized. Lowering catalyst loading on the anode did not show a decrease in electrochemical activity up to 0.05 mg cm−2. However, it was found that the cathode catalyst loading can be reduced only up to 0.60 mg cm−2.