Optimization of Pt Catalyst for Anode/Cathode of PEMFC via Magnetron Sputtering

In this study, performance of thin film Pt catalysts with metal loadings in the range of 1-200 mu g/cm(2) prepared by magnetron sputtering was investigated for both anode and cathode sides of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) in H-2/O-2 and H-2/air modes. Standard microporous layers comprising carbon nanoparticles and Teflon PTFE and FEP supported gas diffusion layer, as well as their modifications by magnetron deposition of carbon in N-2 atmosphere (leading to CNx) followed by plasma etching were used as substrates for Pt deposition. The CNx structure exhibits higher resistance to electrochemical etching as compared to pure C as was determined by mass spectrometry analysis of PEMFC exhaust at different cell potentials for both sides of PEMFC. The platinum utilization in PEMFC with magnetron sputtered thin-film Pt electrodes is up to 2 orders of magnitude higher than with the current state-of-the-art Pt/C catalysts while keeping the similar power efficiency.