Microwave-assisted synthesis of silica aerogel supported pt nanoparticles for self-humidifying proton exchange membrane fuel cell

In this study, the mesoporous silica aerogel supported Pt nanoparticle (SAP) was synthesized by the simple microwave-assisted method within 90 s and characterized by WXRD and BET measurements. SAP was then used as a filler to prepare the self-humidifying Nafion®-based composite membrane (N/SAP). The dispersion of the catalyst in N/SAP as well as the water uptake and proton conductivity of N/SAP were investigated. Compared to that of the recast Nafion® membrane (RN), the water uptake and the proton conductivity of N/SAP was improved for about 38% and 109%, respectively. In addition, the power density of the PEMFC single cell fabricated with N/SAP at 50 °C was 1104 mW cm−2 and 913 mW cm−2 measured under the humidified condition and dry condition, respectively, which was approximately 91% and 5.5 times higher than that with RN membrane, respectively.

► The silica aerogel supported Pt (SAP) was synthesized by microwave-assisted method.
► The water uptake of the Nafion/SAP composite membrane (N/SAP) was increased for 38%.
► The proton conductivity of N/SAP was increased for 109%.
► The power density of PEMFC with N/SAP improved 91% under the humidified condition.
► The power density of PEMFC with N/SAP improved 5.5 times under the dry condition.