Stability characteristics of Pt1Ni1/C as cathode catalysts in membrane electrode assembly of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

To understand the difference in degradation characteristics between carbon-supported platinum (Pt/C) and platinum–nickel alloy (Pt1Ni1/C) cathode catalysts in membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), constant current operation of MEA in a single cell was conducted for 1100 h. A significant change in cell potential for the Pt1Ni1/C MEA was observed throughout the test. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy showed that sintering and detachment of metal particles in the Pt1Ni1/C catalyst occurred more sparingly than in the Pt/C catalyst. Instead, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy element mapping revealed dissolution of Ni atoms in the Pt1Ni1 catalysts even when the Pt1Ni1/C catalyst used in the MEA was well synthesized.

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► The stability test of the MEA was performed at practical operation conditions.
► The MEA with Pt1Ni1/C catalyst showed severe electrochemical instability.
► The surface of catalyst layer was characterized using XPS mapping.
► XPS mapping can be used to characterize the wide active area (above 0.78 mm2).
► Pt1Ni1/C catalyst experienced nickel dissolution during the degradation test.