Performance of the electrode based on silicon carbide supported platinum catalyst for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

To promote fuel cell commercialization, various catalyst supports have been explored to provide more durable performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. In this work, we continue our efforts on silicon carbide (SiC), with a focus on electrode structure and single cell performance. Nafion® ionomer was found of good affinity to the SiC supported catalyst. Based on both ex-situ and in-situ electrochemical evaluation and accelerated stress test (AST), SiC supported platinum catalyst (Pt/SiC) electrode showed superior stable performance, less particle size increment and durable interface composition in comparison to traditional carbon supported catalyst (Pt/C), though not apparently favorable for Pt redeposition. Single cells of area 50, 6.25 and 5.0 cm2 for both long-term test and support focused AST were prepared. The best single-cell performance results were obtained with low catalyst loading, which is likely due to lower electrode thickness and easier mass transport. Considering the low Pt content and large Pt-particle size, the Pt/SiC catalyst shows rather promising Pt utilization, especially with low loaded electrode. The specific performance is actually superior to that of a conventional MEA, though the electrode interface structure should be optimized.