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Pt based PEMFC catalysts prepared from colloidal particle suspensions--a toolbox for model studies
Jozsef Speder1, Lena Altmann, Melanie Roefzaad
1Nano-Science Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|February 6, 2013
Summary
This study introduces a new colloidal synthesis for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) catalysts. The method enables property studies, showing carbon supports enhance nanoparticle adhesion without affecting catalytic activity.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Catalysis
Background:
- Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are crucial for clean energy.
- Developing efficient and stable catalysts is key to improving PEMFC performance.
- Current synthesis methods often involve complex procedures and stabilizing agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a versatile colloidal synthesis for PEMFC catalysts.
- To systematically study the effect of carbon supports on catalyst properties.
- To optimize nanoparticle adhesion and prevent agglomeration.
Main Methods:
- Colloidal synthesis of monodisperse platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs).
- Utilizing high surface area (HSA) carbon supports with varying pre-treatments.
- Investigating the role of ionomers in stabilizing nanoparticle suspensions.
- Evaluating catalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
Main Results:
- Carbon support pre-treatment enhances Pt NP adhesion but can cause agglomeration.
- Addition of ionomers improves NP sticking without agglomeration.
- Catalytic activity for ORR is comparable to industrial standards.
- No significant influence of NP size (2-5 nm) on catalytic activity was observed.
Conclusions:
- The developed colloidal synthesis is suitable for systematic PEMFC catalyst studies.
- Carbon supports play a role in NP adhesion, not catalytic co-function.
- Ionomer addition offers a strategy to control NP dispersion and adhesion.
- The synthesized catalysts demonstrate promising performance for PEMFC applications.
