Improved Durability and Activity in Pt/Mo2C Fuel Cell Cathodes by Magnetron Sputtering of Tantalum

Cost reduction together with durability represent the primary challenges for cathode catalysts in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The catalyst is often supported by carbon, which suffers from parasitic corrosion, particularly during start-up and shut-down operations. Transition metal carbides (TMCs) have attracted attention as a potential replacement for carbon supports because some of them have electronic structures likened to noble metals. Mo2C has shown promising activity as platinum support for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) but can suffer from oxidation and dissolution. Here, Mo2C supports are modified by surface tantalum (Ta) treatment using a variety of DC magnetron sputtering operating parameters. All supports modified by Ta showed improved corrosion resistance compared to the untreated support. Pt/Mo2C modified with Ta using a 500 V bias, 6 mTorr working pressure, and 2 min sputter time additionally showed improved kinetic current density and mass activity. Ta sputtering under these conditions were applied to the cathode side of a Pt/Mo2C membrane electrode assembly and showed significantly improved durability when subjected to an accelerated stress test. Ta-modified Pt/Mo2C cathodes showed resistance to void formation and loss of electrochemical surface area. Ta magnetron sputtering can therefore be considered a viable surface treatment for improving the activity and stability of PEMFCs using Mo2C-based supports.

Automated summary

Cost reduction and durability are key challenges for cathode catalysts in PEMFCs. Transition metal carbides, such as Mo2C, are being explored as potential replacements for carbon supports, with surface tantalum modification showing improved corrosion resistance and activity. Ta-modified Pt/Mo2C cathodes demonstrate enhanced durability and resistance to degradation, making Ta magnetron sputtering a viable option for enhancing PEMFC performance.