Synthesis, characterization and electrochemical studies of Pt-W/C catalyst for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Abstract

Pt-W/C catalyst was synthesized by slow reduction of platinum and tungsten solutions in the desired ratio with subsequent deposition on the Vulcan carbon already added to the solution. Crystallite size of catalyst was about 9 nm and its density, cell volume, d-spacing and lattice parameter were also calculated. EDX analysis of the catalyst was also done. Electrochemical surface area of the catalyst was determined by cyclic voltammetry (CV). CV of the catalyst was done both in acidic and basic media to find out the peak potential, peak current, specific activity and mass activity of the catalyst. Peak potential versus scan rate plots showed that the electro oxidation of methanol is an irreversible process. Tafel equation was used to plot polarization curves to find out the exchange current density. Higher values of exchange current indicate better catalysts. Specific activities of the catalyst were determined in acidic and basic media and it was found that the specific activity in basic media increased substantially as compared to acidic media. The specific activity in acidic media was 83 mA/mg pt whereas in basic media it was 137mA/mg pt which is a substantial increase. Heterogeneous rate constant in acidic media was 6.15 x 10−6 cm/ s and in basic media it was 4.92 x 10−5 cm/s which is much higher in basic media. In this binary catalyst addition of tungsten has increased the catalytic activity but it is non-noble metal thus will decrease the cost. Stability studies of the catalyst were done upto fifty cycles both in acidic and basic media and was found quite stable in both the media.