The effect of low concentrations of tetrachloroethylene on H2 adsorption and activation on Pt in a fuel cell catalyst

- Poisoning of Pt fuel cell catalyst by tetrachloroethylene occurs to greatest extent in presence of hydrogen and O2.
- The presence of O2 appears to facilitate poisoning by TTCE or derivatives.
- TTCE poisoning of Pt can only begin in the presence of hydrogen since decomposition occurs by hydrodechlorination.
- Results support poisoning of Pt by Cl primarily at the cathode.
- Co-poisoning of Pt with CO + TTCE in H2 results mostly in poisoning due to CO which probably inhibits hydrodechlorination.