High Performance by Applying IrCo/C Nanoparticles as an Anode Catalyst for PEMFC

IrCo bimetallic anode catalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) have been synthesized with a modified ethylene glycol method. X-ray diffraction, TEM, CV, and linear sweep voltammetry results show that after the modification of Co, Ir nanoparticles supported on carbon exhibit high activity for hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR). The maximum power density of 610.5mWcm2 of a 50cm2 single cell is achieved using 20%Ir30%Co/C catalyst as the anode, with a loading of 0.2 mgIr cm2. It is suggested that IrCo/C proposed in this work may be used as anode catalyst of PEMFC.