Pt Nano-Particle Performance for PEFC Reactions at Low Catalyst Loading and High Reactant Mass Transport

Abstract

The rotating disk electrode (RDE) is currently the favored technique for fundamental research on electrocatalysts for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC). However, being submerged in liquid electrolyte limits the over-potential range that can be studied before mass transport effects become dominant. State of the art PEFCs operate under much higher mass transport regimes and over wider potential ranges than cannot be accessed with the RDE. This may limit the usefulness and applicability of RDE results to PEFCs. Here we present recent progress in the development of electrodes for liquid and solid polymer electrolytes which achieve high mass transport. The electrodes are fabricated using a simple deposition process which produces a flat, uniform, and homogeneous catalyst layer. This allows for rapid screening of catalysts across the entire working conditions of a PEFC with minimal mass transport effects. Additionally, we show this technique can be used for electrolyser research.