PEM Fuel Cell Performance of Cobalt Phthalocyanine Supported on CVD Graphene and Different Carbon Materials

Abstract

Cobalt (II) phthalocyanine (CoPc) is investigated as an alternative catalyst to Pt to decrease the cost of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell. Carbon nanotube (CNT), VulcanXC72 (V), graphene (G) and their hybridization (CNT/G, V/G, CNT/V) are used as catalyst support. Carbon supported CoPc is prepared by impregnation method using THF. Different support materials and back pressure effect are investigated for better catalytic activity and stability. Single fuel cell tests were carried out. Higher heat treatment temperatures and higher operational backpressure improves fuel cell performance. Hybridization of graphene with Vulcan gives lower performance. Hybridization of carbon nanotube and Vulcan XC72 as a catalyst support gives the best fuel cell performance. Operational parameters provided maximum power density of CNT-Vulcan 303 mW/cm2 with 0.3 mgCo/cm2 loading, 5-psi backpressure, 100% RH and 60 °C operational temperature. Figure 1