Effect of Carbon Support on the Electrocatalytic Properties of Pt-Ru Catalysts

In this study, we explore the effect of carbon support on the performance of anodic electrodes for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Pt-Ru catalysts supported on different carbon materials were synthesized by wet impregnation method and characterized by means of Raman, XRD, TEM, and N-2 adsorption analysis. The electrocatalytic activity of the prepared catalysts was studied during hydrogen oxidation reaction experiments (HOR) as well as during the operation of a fuel cell using pure H-2, and H-2-carbon monoxide anode feeding. The results show that the crystalline phase and the point of zero charge (pzc) of the carbon supports play an important role in the metal particle size and consequently in the catalyst electrocatalytic activity. Carbon supports with amorphous phase and high values of pzc, result in catalysts with large metal particle size leading to low electrocatalytic activity. On the other hand, using graphene derivative or carbon nanotubes (CNT) in different catalysts generates smaller metal particle size which results in higher electrocatalytic activity.