Modified pulse electrodeposition of Pt nanocatalyst as high-performance electrode for PEMFC

Low platinum loading electrode was successfully deposited by a modified pulse galvanic signal in H2PtCl6 electrolyte using carbon black as support directly on a GDL (Gas Diffusion Layer). SEM images of the deposition were composed by rough Pt particles of 50 nm leading to specific electrochemical surface area of 53 m2 g−1. In spite of large particle size and a low cathode loading of 0.12 mg cm−2, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) fed with humidified H2 and O2 at 80 °C, 1.5 absolute bar reached 0.2 mA cmPt−2 and 0.1 A mg−1 at 0.9 VIR-free which were twice higher than a reference membrane electrodes assembly (MEA) with a cathode loaded at 0.4 mgPt.cm−2. Such an active cathode electrode may be ascribed to a higher utilization rate of the platinum caused by an efficient catalyst deposition by electrochemical route.