The use of a dynamic hydrogen electrode as an electrochemical tool to evaluate plasma activated carbon as electrocatalyst support for direct methanol fuel cell

The objectives of this study were to functionalize the carbon black surface by chemically introducing oxygenated groups using plasma technology. This should enable a better interaction of the carbon support with the metallic catalyst nanoparticles, hindering posterior support particle agglomeration and preventing loss of active surface. PtRu/C nanoparticles were anchored on the carbon supports by the impregnation method and direct reduction with hydrazine. Physical characterization of the materials was carried out using energy dispersive X-ray analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The screen printing technique was used to produce membrane electrode assemblies for single cell tests in methanol/air (DMFC). Tests were carried out using the dynamic hydrogen electrode as an electrochemical tool to evaluate the anode and cathode behavior separately.