Fabrication of Catalytic Compositions for Electrodes of Fuel Cells and Water Electrolyzers with Proton-Exchange Membrane by Magnetron Sputtering of Composite Targets

Abstract

Catalytic coatings for electrodes of fuel cells and water electrlyzers with a polymeric proton-exchange membrane were prepared by magnetron sputtering of composite targets and studied. The noble metals platinum and iridium were used as inserts into the base targets made of graphite, molybdenum, titanium, or nickel. The effects that parameters of different processes occurring in magnetron sputtering have on the electrochemical behavior and structural properties of catalytic compositions are investigated. The prepared coatings display high catalytic activity. We discuss the feasibility to use magnetron sputtering for fabrication of thin nanostructured catalytic compositions as part of industrial technology of fuel cells and electrolyzers with proton-exchange membrane and low noble metal contents.