Electrodeposition preparation of highly dispersed Pt/HxWO3 composite catalysts for PEMFCs

•Pt/HxWO3 catalyst was obtained by electrodepositing directly on the carbon cloth.•A hydrophilic–hydrophobic double microporous layer was introduced.•The double MPL had a substantial effect on the morphology and loading of catalysts.•The addition of HxWO3 enhances the catalytic activity of Pt for hydrogen oxidation.

Platinum/hydrogen tungsten bronze (Pt/HxWO3) composite catalysts were prepared by electrodeposition on the carbon cloth with varying HxWO3 content. To obtain highly dispersed catalyst layer, the carbon cloth was modified by introducing a hydrophilic–hydrophobic double microporous layer. The catalytic activity of prepared catalysts was investigated by single cell polarization test and in situ cyclic voltammetry (CV). The application of double microporous layer facilitates electrodeposition process, which benefits the dispersion of catalysts. HxWO3 used as auxiliary catalyst enhances the catalytic activity of Pt for hydrogen oxidation. Pt/HxWO3 hydrophilic electrode with composite catalyst loading of 0.35 mg cm−2 exhibits the higher current density of 340 mA cm−2 at 0.4 V and electrochemical active surface area (EASA) of 89.40 m2 g−1 than traditional Pt/C does at room temperature.