Catalytic activity of dendrimer encapsulated Pt nanoparticles anchored onto carbon towards oxygen reduction reaction in polymer electrolyte fuel cells

Pt nanoparticles are encapsulated in the fourth-generation hydroxyl-terminated poly (amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer (G4-OH) and anchored onto carbon to realize a novel cathode catalyst for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). Extensive physical and electrochemical characterizations confirm that Pt/G4-OH-C catalyst exhibits significant enhancement of catalytic activity towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The mass activities (A mgPt−1) at 0.9 V vs. RHE for Pt/G4-OH-CI and Pt/G4-OH-CII, both prepared by different routes, are enhanced by 3.6 and 2.6 times, respectively, in relation to Pt/C catalyst. Dendrimer template studied here provides size-controlled preparation of Pt-based catalyst and facilitates uniform dispersion and loading of the catalyst onto carbon support. It is noteworthy that a PEFC comprising Pt/G4-OH-C catalyst with a Pt loading of ∼0.1 mg cm−2 delivers a power density of 712 mW cm−2 at 0.6 V with H2 and O2 feeds. By contrast, the PEFC using Pt/C with a Pt loading of ∼0.2 mg cm−2 delivers a power density of only 370 mW cm−2 while operating under similar conditions.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Hydroxyl-terminated poly(amidoamine) dendrimer controls Pt nanoparticle formation. ► Lower loading of Pt is accomplished using this dendrimer regulated catalyst. ► High mass activity and uniform dispersion of Pt is achieved with Pt/G4-OH-C.