Effects of surface chemical states of carbon nanotubes supported Pt nanoparticles on performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells

This study synthesized platinum (Pt) nanoparticles supported on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using a microwave-assisted polyol method. The oxidation treatment of CNTs introduced primarily –OH and –COOH groups to the CNTs, thereby enhancing the reduction of Pt ionic species, resulting in smaller Pt particles with improved dispersion and attachment properties. The Pt particles supported on oxidized CNTs displayed superior durability to those on pristine CNTs or commercially available Pt/C. These improvements are most likely associated with the percentage of metallic Pt in the particles. After 400 cycles, the losses of electrochemical surface area in Pt nanoparticle supported on oxidized CNTs and pristine CNTs catalysts were 66 and 84%, respectively, of that associated with commercial Pt/C. A single proton exchange membrane fuel cell using Pt supported on oxidized CNTs at the cathode with a total catalytic loading of 0.6 Pt mg cm−2 exhibited the highest power density of 890 mW cm−2 and displayed a lower mass transfer loss, compared to Pt/C.