Graphene-Derived Carbon Support Boosts Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Catalyst Stability

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are crucial for hydrogen technology but are limited by inefficient and non-durable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts.
• Graphene-based carbon materials offer a promising alternative to conventional carbon black (CB) supports, yet their full commercial potential remains untapped due to demanding properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an industrially scalable synthesis of platinum-based electrocatalysts on graphene derivative (GD) supports.
• To enhance the durability and activity of electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in PEMFCs.

Main Methods:

• Industrially scalable synthesis of platinum-alloy intermetallic catalysts on graphene derivatives (GDs) with high metal loading (up to 60 wt%).
• Accelerated degradation tests to evaluate catalyst durability.
• X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy Auger and Raman spectroscopy for material characterization.
• Gas diffusion electrode performance analysis.

Main Results:

• Achieved highly homogeneous, high metal-loaded platinum-alloy intermetallic catalysts on GD supports.
• Demonstrated enhanced durability compared to CB-supported catalysts and commercial benchmarks.
• Observed a correlation between sp2 carbon content, structural defects, and catalyst durability.
• GD-supported catalysts exhibited excellent mass activities and high peak power densities, surpassing previous literature records.

Conclusions:

• The developed GD-supported platinum-alloy catalysts offer superior durability and activity for ORR in PEMFCs.
• The findings highlight the importance of carbon support structure and defects in determining catalyst performance.
• This advancement holds significant promise for the commercial viability and future application of hydrogen fuel cell technology.