Graphene nanoplatelets-carbon black hybrids as an efficient catalyst support for Pt nanoparticles for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

In this work, hybrid support consisting of carbon black (CB) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) is designed and prepared with different percentages for loading Pt nanoparticles. For this purpose, GNPs and CB in various ratios are homogeneously mixed and then Pt nanoparticles are obtained by using supercritical carbon dioxide deposition (scCO(2)) technique. According to our approach, hybridization of GNPs with CB not only can prevent aggregation of these carbon materials, but also reach full utilization of synergistic effect between them. The outstanding characteristics of these hybrids and hybrid supported Pt catalysts have been investigated by using BET, XRD, TGA, TEM, SEM and contact angle techniques. In addition, cycling voltammetry and PEM fuel cell measurements also have been performed. All these results have been discussed based on the change in the pore structure, surface area, morphology of the GNPs due to the addition of various amounts CB. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.