Application of silica as a catalyst support at high concentrations of methanol for direct methanol fuel cells

Various silica particles were adopted as catalyst supports, and silica-supported PtRu catalysts were evaluated as catalysts for the anode of direct methanol fuel cells at methanol concentrations of 1–10 M through single cell tests. Compared to a carbon black supported Pt–Ru catalysts, the silica-supported Pt–Ru catalysts exhibited higher performance in MEA, especially with high concentration over 3 M, and the maximum power density reached to 90 mW cm−2 and 60 mW cm−2 with 5 M and 10 M, respectively, which were 1.5 and 3 times higher than the reference carbon black supported catalysts. It was found that the silica particles as a catalyst support have a significant effect on reduction of methanol crossover and control of fuel feeding. Such a high performance in the operation with high concentrations was confirmed in the long-term durability test.

► Various silicas adopted as catalyst supports. ► PtRu/(silicas) prepared by the impregnation method. ► Single cell tests using 1–10 M methanol. ► Silica as a catalyst support was effective to mitigate methanol crossover. ► PtRu/(silicas) show increase of the cell performance at 3–10 M methanol.