Nano titanium oxide catalyst support for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Durability of the catalysts in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) is one of the major issues as the oxidation of carbon catalyst supports causes degradation in catalyst performance during cycling in PEMFC. Alternative supports that can withstand the corrosive environment of PEMFC's are currently required. The present manuscript looks at nano Titanium oxide (TiO2) as a candidate for catalyst support for electrocatalyst platinum (Pt). The presence of TiO2 in the Pt matrix is likely to avoid the agglomeration of Pt particles, effectively disperse the Pt atoms in the clusters, control the nanostructure of the catalyst, provide thermal and oxidation stability with respect to corrosion. The thermal stability of the catalysts and electrochemical activity were found to be better compared to conventional Pt supported on Carbon catalysts. The membrane electrode assemblies by making use of these catalysts showed large electrochemical activity, durability and fuel cell performance.