Pt1−xCox nanoparticles as cathode catalyst for proton exchange membrane fuel cells with enhanced catalytic activity

Authors

Huimin Wu, Hubei University, Wuhan, ChinaFollow
David Wexler, University of WollongongFollow
Hua-Kun Liu, University of WollongongFollow
O Savadogo, Ecole Polytechique de Montréal
Jung-Ho Ahn, Andong National University, Andong, South Korea
Guoxiu Wang, University of Technology, SydneyFollow

RIS ID

33984

Publication Details

Wu, H., Wexler, D., Liu, H. K., Savadogo, O., Ahn, J. Wang, G. (2010). Pt_1−xCo_x nanoparticles as cathode catalyst for proton exchange membrane fuel cells with enhanced catalytic activity. Materials Chemistry and Physics, 124 (1), 841-844.

Abstract

Nanosize carbon-supported Pt_1−xCo_x (x = 0.2, 0.3, and 0.45) electrocatalysts were prepared by a chemical reduction method using sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) as the reduction agent. Transmission electron microscopy examination showed uniform dispersion of Pt_1−xCo_x alloy catalysts on carbon matrix, with the particle size less than 10 nm. The electrochemical characteristics of Pt_1−xCo_x alloy catalysts were studied by cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, and chronoamperometric testing. The as-prepared Pt_1−xCo_x alloy nanoparticles could be promising cathode catalysts for oxygen reduction in proton exchange membrane fuel cells with the feature of much reduced cost, but significantly increased catalytic activity.