Influence of the carbon texture of platinum/carbon aerogel electrocatalysts on their behavior in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell cathode

Seven carbon aerogels (CAs) with different pore size distributions were synthesized and used as a catalyst support in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) cathodes. The cathodes were tested in 50 cm2 membrane electrode assemblies. The results demonstrate that the CA texture significantly influences performance by impacting gas diffusion and proton transport. Also, the Nafion® loading must be adapted to the CA texture, since its easier penetration into large pores favors their obstruction and results in higher proton resistance and mass-transport voltage losses. Under fixed experimental conditions (notably Nafion®/carbon ratio = 1), the best CA support displays high specific surface area and pore volume, a majority of mesopores with a pore size distribution peak around 25–30 nm and with some macropores. The work confirms that the carbon support structure must be controlled to reduce mass-transport voltage losses. Doing so would lead to reduce PEMFC overall cost per kW.

► Different carbon aerogels were used as cathode carbon support.
► Gas diffusion limitations and proton transport resistance affect performances.
► Controlling the carbon support structure enables reduce these losses.
► Nafion® loading must be adapted to the carbon support.