Ultra low Pt-loading electrode prepared by displacement of electrodeposited Cu particles on a porous carbon electrode

Ultra low Pt-loading and high Pt utilization electrodes were prepared by displacement of electrodeposited Cu on a porous carbon electrode. Copper particles were electrodeposited on a porous carbon electrode (PCE) by four-step deposition (FSD) at first. The size and dispersion of deposited Cu particles were markedly improved with application of the FSD. The Cu deposits were then displaced by platinum as dipping a Cu/PCE in a platinum salt solution. Sequentially, Pt particles supported on the PCE were obtained. The Pt/PCE electrode prepared via the FSD of Cu overcomes the problem of the hydrogen evolution reaction accompanied with direct platinum electrochemical deposition, and has a high Pt dispersion. The single cell consisting of the electrodes Pt/PCE via the FSD of Cu outputs a power of 0.45 W cm−2 with ultra low Pt loadings of 0.196 mg cm−2 MEA (0.098 mg cm−2 per each side of the MEA) at no backpressure of reactant gases.