Platinum catalyst supported on mesoporous carbon for PEMFC

Ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) was used as catalyst (Pt) support in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) with the aim of increasing its effectiveness towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The mesoporous carbon (CMK3 type) was synthesized as inverse replica of a silica template (SBA-15). Platinization was achieved by impregnation with chloroplatinic acid hexahydrate, H2PtCl6, followed by a reduction in H2 flow at 573 K. Samples containing 20 wt% in Pt were prepared and characterized by ICP, XRD and HRTEM analysis. Structural and morphological analyses of the samples showed that the typical ordered mesoporous structure of CMK3 carbons is maintained after Pt insertion. The HRTEM analysis of the samples showed a homogeneous dispersion of platinum particles. The electro-catalyst performance was evaluated by manufacturing membrane electrodes assemblies (MEAs) containing the catalyst under study at the cathode (Pt load: 0.5 mg/cm2). Tests were performed in a single fuel cell with an electrode surface area of 5 cm2. The results were also compared to the performances of a commercial catalyst tested in the same way.