Development of a carbon paper-supported Pd catalyst for PEMFC application

An oxygen diffusion cathode for a PEMFC has been prepared by directly depositing the catalyst (pure Pd) on a carbon paper support containing 5% of PTFE through an electroless deposition method. A very low-Pd loading of 0.04 mgPd cm−2 and a higher one, containing 0.22 mgPd cm−2, were obtained. Two different experimental approaches were used to evaluate their catalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction. The overall results revealed that the prepared catalysts exhibit a high catalytic activity, but a low efficiency on the catalyst utilization.PEMFC tests, carried out in a single cell, showed the feasibility of using the novel procedure on the preparation of oxygen diffusion cathodes, and its similar performance to a conventional one prepared by spraying the catalyst ink (Pt black) on a carbon paper support.

► A novel procedure to prepare oxygen diffusion cathode of Pd supported on a carbon paper was developed.
► The catalytic activity is comparable to Pt but shows a low efficiency.
► PEMFC tests showed a good performance on a MEA containing high Pd load.