Two-layer anode electrode with non-noble catalysts as CO tolerant structure for PEM fuel cell

Abstract

Many studies on platinum-based dual-metal or multi-metal alloys catalysts are underway to strengthen the resistance of the anode catalyst layer against hydrogen fuel contamination, especially carbon monoxide. The change in the structure of the catalyst layer can also be a new and effective way to remove Carbon Monoxide. In the few multi-layer electrode structure reported cases, ruthenium metal is used in the outer layer, for sieving the Carbon Monoxide molecules before reaching to the Pt/C catalyst in the inner layer. In this study, we make two-layer catalyst anode electrode with SnO2/C and Sn20.Co80/C in outer layer and commercial Pt/C in inner layer. The performance of these electrodes for Carbon Monoxide electro-oxidation evaluate by cyclic voltammetry and the results compare with the activity of an electrode with commercial platinum catalyst only. Our two-layer electrodes have the same efficiency as commercial platinum electrodes and even more for pure hydrogen oxidation and much better activity for pure Carbon Monoxide electro-oxidation at low potentials, in half-cell media. These electrodes have better stability for Carbon Monoxide oxidation after 100 cycles along with Carbon Monoxide gas bubbling and electrode with bi-metal catalyst in outer layer has almost no loss in performance.