Correlation between the surface characteristics of carbon supports and their electrochemical stability and performance in fuel cell cathodes

In this paper, an extensive characterisation of a range of carbon blacks (CB) with similar surface area but different surface chemistry is carried out by flow calorimetry, Raman spectroscopy, dynamic water vapour sorption, instrumental gas analysis, nitrogen adsorption/desorption and high potential chronoamperometry. Using these carbon materials as supports, Pt/CB electrocatalysts are prepared by microwave-assisted polyol-mediated synthesis in gram scale. Structural, morphological and electrochemical properties of the prepared electrocatalysts are evaluated by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, rotating disc electrode and in situ fuel cell characterisation of the corresponding membrane-electrode assemblies. The obtained results allow to establish a relationship between surface chemistry and electrochemical properties useful for the design of Pt/C catalyst layers with high performance and stability.

Automated summary

In this paper, an in-depth study was conducted on carbon blacks with similar surface area but different surface chemistry, and Pt/CB electrocatalysts were successfully prepared. The results obtained help establish a relationship between surface chemistry and electrochemical properties, providing guidance for designing high-performance and stable Pt/C catalyst layers.