Evaluation of carbon-supported Pt and Pd nanoparticles for the hydrogen evolution reaction in PEM water electrolysers

Carbon-supported Pt and Pd nanoparticles (CSNs) were synthesized and electrochemically characterized in view of potential application in proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysers. Electroactive metallic nanoparticles were obtained by chemical reduction of precursor salts adsorbed to the surface of Vulcan XC-72 carbon carrier, using ethylene glycol as initial reductant and with final addition of formaldehyde. CSNs were then coated over the surface of electron-conducting working electrodes using an alcoholic solution of perfluorinated polymer. Their electrocatalytic activities with regard to the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) were measured in sulfuric acid solution using cyclic voltammetry, and in a PEM cell during water electrolysis. Results obtained show that palladium can be advantageously used as an alternative electrocatalyst to platinum for the HER in PEM water electrolysers. Developed electrocatalysts could also be used in PEM fuel cells.