A novel method for preparing PEMFC electrodes by the ultrasonic and sonoelectrochemical techniques

Novel ultrasonic and sonoelectrochemical methods for preparing Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) electrodes are described. Platinum loaded on Nafion-bonded carbon anodes in Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) were prepared in K2PtCl4 aqueous solutions by galvanostatic pulse electrodeposition in the absence and presence of power ultrasound (20 kHz). It was found that PEMFC electrodes prepared sonoelectrochemically showed better performance compared to those prepared by (i) galvanostatic pulse method only (i.e. silent conditions) and (ii) conventional method. Maximum power densities of 98.5 mW cm−2 were found for anodes prepared sonoelectrochemically compared with 91.5 mW cm−2 (by galvanostatic pulse method alone) and 86 mW cm−2 (by conventional method).