Electrode with a Carbon Nanotube Array for a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

One of the most important problems in the development of proton exchange membrane fuel cells remains the selection of an efficient electrocatalyst support capable of providing a low loading of active metal with minimal changes in the electrochemical surface, electronic conductivity, and activity. In this work, carbon nanotube arrays (CNTAs) grown directly on commercial gas diffusion layers (GDLs) are used to form electrodes of a new type. The CNTAs are used in the electrode as a microporous layer. The catalytic layer is formed in the microporous layer by a method that does not destroy the carbon support structure and consists of the controlled impregnation of CNTAs with the Pt-precursor with subsequent reduction in platinum particles in the surface volume of the layer. The resulting electrode was studied by scanning/transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. This electrode provides increased electrical conductivity of the layer and can also improve stability and longer service life due to the enhanced adhesion of carbon materials to the GDL.

Automated summary

One of the most important challenges in the development of proton exchange membrane fuel cells is to select an efficient electrocatalyst support that can minimize changes in the electrochemical surface, electronic conductivity, and activity while providing a low loading of active metal. In this study, carbon nanotube arrays (CNTAs) grown directly on commercial gas diffusion layers (GDLs) were utilized to form electrodes with a microporous layer. The catalytic layer was formed within the microporous layer by controlled impregnation of CNTAs with Pt-precursor and subsequent reduction of platinum particles. The resulting electrode demonstrated increased electrical conductivity and improved stability and service life.