Pt-Co@NCNTs cathode catalyst using ZIF-67 for proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIF) is one of the potential candidates as highly conducting networks with large surface area with a possibility to be used as catalyst support for low temperature fuel cells. In the present study, highly active state-of-the-art Pt-Co@NCNTs (Nitrogen Doped Carbon Nanotube) catalyst was synthesized by pyrolyzing ZIF-67 along with Pt precursor under flowing Ar-H-2 atmosphere. The multi-walled NCNTs were densely grown on the surface of ZIF particles after pyrolysis. The high resolution TEM examination was employed to examine the nature of the Pt-Co particles as well as multi walled NCNTs. Rotating disk electrode study was used for measuring oxygen reduction reaction performance for Pt-CoONCNTs in 0.1 M HClO4 and compared with commercial Pt/C catalyst. Fuel cell performance with Pt Co@NCNT and commercial Pt/C catalysts was evaluated at 70 degrees C using Nafion-212 electrolyte using H-2 and O-2 gases (100% RH) and the observed peak power density of 630 and 560 mW cm(-2), respectively. (C) 2017 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.