Ni–Pt/C as anode electrocatalyst for a direct borohydride fuel cell

Abstract

In this study, a series of Ni–Pt/C and Ni/C catalysts, which were employed as anode catalysts for a direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC), were prepared and investigated by XRD, TEM, cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and fuel cell test. The particle size of Ni 37–Pt 3/C (mass ratio, Ni:Pt = 37:3) catalyst was sharply reduced by the addition of ultra low amount of Pt. And the electrochemical measurements showed that the electro-catalytic activity and stability of the Ni 37–Pt 3/C catalysts were improved compared with Ni/C catalyst. The DBFC employing Ni 37–Pt 3/C catalyst on the anode (metal loading, 1 mg cm −2) showed a maximum power density of 221.0 mW cm −2 at 60 °C, while under identical condition the maximum power density was 150.6 mW cm −2 for Ni/C. Furthermore, the polarization curves and hydrogen evolution behaviors on all the catalysts were investigated on the working conditions of the DBFC.