Hollow core/mesoporous shell carbon as a highly efficient catalyst support in direct formic acid fuel cell

Abstract

Spherical carbon capsules with a hollow macroporous core of ca. 260nm and a ca. 40nm thick mesoporous shell were explored for the first time as an anode catalyst support in direct formic acid fuel cell (DFAFC). Hollow core/mesoporous shell carbon (HCMSC) possesses fantastic structural characteristics such as uniform particle size, well-developed three-dimensionally interconnected bimodal porosity, and large specific surface area and pore volume, which are highly desired for a catalyst support in low temperature fuel cells. HCMSC-supported Pt50Ru50 (60wt.%) has exhibited almost two times the power density that delivered by the commonly used catalyst support carbon black Vulcan XC-72 supported one, suggesting that the HCMSC is a highly efficient anode catalyst support in DFAFC.