Highly dispersed platinum–carbon aerogel catalyst for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Platinum loaded carbon aerogel catalysts for application in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells have been synthesized from the alcoholic sol–gel reaction of phloroglucinol with furfural using propylene oxide as a reducing agent of platinum salt, followed by supercritical drying with carbon dioxide. Subsequent carbonization of the platinum–organic aerogels under a reducing gas flow produced platinum–carbon aerogels. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analyses of the platinum–carbon aerogel catalysts indicate the formation of well-dispersed platinum nanoparticles having sizes of about 3 nm. Surface characterization of the platinum–carbon aerogel by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that 60% of the platinum is present in its metallic state. Electrochemical characterization by hydrogen adsorption/desorption cyclic voltammetry and CO stripping voltammetry indicates that the electrochemical active surface areas of the platinum–carbon aerogel are comparable to those of commercial catalysts.