PEDOT–PSSA as an alternative support for Pt electrodes in PEFCs

Bulletin of Materials Science

关键词: Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene);    poly (styrene sulphonic acid);    H2/O2 fuel cell;    corrosion;    Nafion content.;   

学科分类：材料工程

来源: Indian Academy of Sciences

【 摘 要 】

Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and poly (styrene sulphonic acid) (PSSA) supported platinum (Pt) electrodes for application in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) are reported. PEDOT–PSSA support helps Pt particles to be uniformly distributed on to the electrodes, and facilitates mixed electronic and ionic (H+-ion) conduction within the catalyst, ameliorating Pt utilization. The inherent proton conductivity of PEDOT–PSSA composite also helps reducing Nafion content in PEFC electrodes. During prolonged operation of PEFCs, Pt electrodes supported onto PEDOT–PSSA composite exhibit lower corrosion in relation to Pt electrodes supported onto commercially available Vulcan XC-72R carbon. Physical properties of PEDOT–PSSA composite have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. PEFCs with PEDOT–PSSA-supported Pt catalyst electrodes offer a peak power-density of 810 mW cm-2 at a load current-density of 1800 mA cm-2 with Nafion content as low as 5 wt.% in the catalyst layer. Accordingly, the present study provides a novel alternative support for platinized PEFC electrodes.

【 授权许可】

CC BY