Effect of surface modification of mesoporous carbon supports on the electrochemical activity of fuel cells

Mesoporous carbon (MC) was prepared from mesoporous silica (SBA-15) via a conventional templating method for use as a Pt-Ru catalyst support in fuel cells. The effect of surface modifications of the carbon support at different pH on the electrochemical activities of the Pt-Ru/MC catalysts was investigated. The Pt-Ru nanoparticle size and loading were dependent on the surface characteristics of the MC. Base-modified MC-supported Pt-Ru showed the smallest average nanoparticle size (3.3 nm) and the highest loading (77%) among the chemically modified MC-supported Pt-Ru catalysts. The electrochemical activity of the catalysts was enhanced when the MC supports were treated with basic or neutral agents rather than by acid modification. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.