Performance optimization of PGM and PGM-free catalysts in anion-exchange membrane fuel cells

This study focuses on H-2-O(2)operando AEMFC performance based on several platinum group metal (PGM) and PGM-free catalysts. Specifically, we evaluate the AEMFC performance of commercial PtRu/C, as-synthesized PtRu/C, and Pd-CeO2/C catalysts as anodes and commercial Pt/C and as-synthesized N-doped carbon catalysts as cathodes. The evolution of cell performance with varying cathode catalyst layer compositions, back pressure, and dew points is underscored. The as-synthesized PtRu/C catalyst is characterized by advanced transmission electron microscopy and showed significantly high performance reaching a peak power density of 1900 mW cm(-2) at 80 degrees C with remarkably promising initial stability. We further showed the cell performances using Pd-CeO2/C anodes paired with both standard Pt/C and metal-free N-doped carbon as a cathodes, which resulted in peak power densities of 890 and 537 mW cm(-2), respectively. Data reported in this study sheds light on the development of AEMFCs using PGM and PGM-free catalysts.

Automated summary

This study focuses on the performance of H-2-O(2) operando AEMFC using platinum group metal (PGM) and PGM-free catalysts. The as-synthesized PtRu/C catalyst showed significantly high performance and promising stability, reaching a peak power density of 1900 mW cm(-2). Additionally, AEMFCs using Pd-CeO2/C anodes paired with Pt/C and N-doped carbon cathodes achieved peak power densities of 890 and 537 mW cm(-2) respectively. The findings of this study provide insights into the development of AEMFCs using both PGM and PGM-free catalysts.