Fabrication of platinum nanowires by centrifugal electrospinning method for proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Abstract

The centrifugal electrospinning method is employed to fabricate platinum (Pt) nanowires and its application for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is evaluated. The nanowires are produced from a polymer solution containing hexachloroplatinic acid hydrate as Pt precursor and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). The effects of system parameters on the morphology of Pt nanowires are studied including the PVP concentration, rotation speed of spinneret, and applied electric field. The electrochemically active surface area (ESA) of the Pt nanowires is characterized by cyclic voltammetry tests. The produced Pt nanowires are also used as electrocatalysts in the cathode of PEMFC and the cell performance is tested. Results show the centrifugal electrospinning method can successfully produce Pt nanowires with mean diameter of 54 ± 14 nm and ESA of 5.64m2g-1, which are comparable to those of traditional electrospun Pt nanowires. The production rate of Pt nanowires can be improved greatly in comparison with the conventional electrospinning technique. It is also found that by the accelerated degradation tests, Pt nanowires demonstrate better durability than commercial Pt/C and the employment of Pt nanowires as electrocatalysts mixed with Pt/C can enhance the fuel cell performance. The present results reveal the centrifugal electrospinning method is an efficient approach to fabricate Pt nanowires for the application in PEMFCs. Novelty statement A centrifugal electrospinning device was designed to fabricate Pt nanowires successfully with good morphology. The production rate of Pt nanowires is enhanced greatly in comparison with the conventional electrospinning method. Electrocatalysts composed of the produced Pt nanowires and Pt/C is found to be able to improve the performance of PEMFC.