The stability of Pt-M (M = first row transition metal) alloy catalysts and its effect on the activity in low temperature fuel cells - A literature review and tests on a Pt-Co catalyst

Carbon supported platinum metal alloy catalysts (Pt-M/C) are widely used in low temperature fuel cells. Pt alloyed with first-row transition elements is used as improved cathode material for low temperature fuel cells. A major challenge for the application of Pt-transition metal alloys in phosphoric acid (PAFC) and polymer electrolyte membrane (PEMFC) fuel cells is to improve the stability of these binary catalysts. Dissolution of the non-precious metal in the acid environment can give rise to a decrease of the activity of the catalysts and to a worsening of cell performance. The purpose of this paper is to provide a better insight into the stability of these Pt-M alloy catalysts in the PAFC and PEMFC environments and the effect of the dissolution of the non-precious metal on the electrocatalytic activity of these materials, in the light of the latest advances on this field. Additionally, the durability of a PtCo/C cathode catalyst was evaluated by a short test in a single PEM fuel cell. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.