Unsupported colloidal PT nanoparticles as electrocatalyst for PEM fuel cell

In this research, Pt nanoparticles have been synthesized through an unsupported colloidal method to develop a compact and high-performance catalyst layer for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. The intimate catalyst/electrolyte interface lowered the proton transport resistance and increased the active catalysis area in the catalyst layer, resulting in a high performance of Pt catalyst. The result also showed that the electron transport pathway should be improved to obtain a better active structure. The oxygen reduction reaction R(ct) resistance of the Pt colloidal catalyst layer was reduced sharply from 1.9 to 1.2 Omega, with the assistance of carbon black. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.