Application of silica as a catalyst support at high concentrations of methanol for direct methanol fuel cells

Various silica particles were adopted as catalyst supports, and silica-supported PtRu catalysts were evaluated as catalysts for the anode of direct methanol fuel cells at methanol concentrations of 1-10 M through single cell tests. Compared to a carbon black supported Pt-Ru catalysts, the silica-supported Pt-Ru catalysts exhibited higher performance in MEA, especially with high concentration over 3 M, and the maximum power density reached to 90 mW cm(-2) and 60 mW cm(-2) with 5 M and 10 M, respectively, which were 1.5 and 3 times higher than the reference carbon black supported catalysts. It was found that the silica particles as a catalyst support have a significant effect on reduction of methanol crossover and control of fuel feeding. Such a high performance in the operation with high concentrations was confirmed in the long-term durability test. Copyright (C) 2011, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.