Dodecylamine-modified carbon supports for cathode in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

In this investigation, hydrophobic dodecylamine-modified carbon supports are prepared for proton exchange membrane fuel cells by organic synthesis. Well-dispersed Pt–Ru nanoparticles, with a narrow size distribution, are then deposited on the dodecylamine-modified carbon supports by methanol reduction to serve as cathodic catalysts. These dodecylamine-modified catalysts are separately mixed with either a commercial catalyst or unmodified catalyst to provide hydrophobic channels to convey the reaction gas to the active sites in the catalyst layer. The best cathode composite catalyst, containing 20–40 wt% of modified-catalyst, gives approximate 30% increase in the maximum power density, comparing to E-TEK catalyst (125 mW cm−2). The increase in the maximum power density is attributed to higher activity and lower resistance. This result is discussed in the context of AC-impedance and proton conductivity analysis.

► Hydrophobic dodecylamine-modified carbon supports were prepared for PEMFC.
► Well-dispersed Pt–Ru was deposited on the modified carbon to serve as cathodic catalysts.
► The modified catalyst was mixed with E-TEK or unmodified catalyst to provide hydrophobic path.
► The best cathode catalyst gave 30% increase in maximum power density, compared to E-TEK catalyst.
► The increase in the maximum power density was attributed to higher activity and lower resistance.