Core-shell TiO2@C: towards alternative supports as replacement for high surface area carbon for PEMFC catalysts

In this work, corrosion resistant TiO2@C powder was tested as possible alternative to standard carbon black supports for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. We separately prepared a stock solution of well-defined Pt nanoparticles and different support materials, and thereafter supported the NPs on the respective supports. As result we obtained high Pt dispersion on TiO2@C supports comparable to conventional high surface area Pt/C catalysts. Accelerated stress tests were carried out in accordance with the Fuel Cell Commercialization Conference of Japan recommendations. The tests demonstrated improved corrosion resistance of Pt/TiO2@C (as compared to Pt/C) when probing start/stop or mixed load cycle and start/stop conditions, whereas similar stability was observed when probing load cycle conditions only. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.