Analysis of the Electrochemical Performance of Ptni/MWCNT in Alkaline Media

It is well known that the outstanding properties and characteristics of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) make them attractive materials for diverse applications. For electrocatalytic systems, MWCNT are being exhaustively studied all over the world, and it is been corroborated that this type of materials are appropriate to be used as support of metallic nanoparticles, having a synergistic effect in the electroactivity. However, it has been found also that the MWCNT characteristics as quality (graphitization grade) and purity (amount of amorphous carbon) have a direct influence on the metal anchorage, the electrocatalytic activity as well as the stability. On the other hand, Pt-Ni system is attracting the attention in recent years for its application as PEM fuel cell electrode. The addition of a non-noble metal (Ni in this case) could decrease the cost of the electrocatalyst as well as improve the performance. The research group involved in the present work has been working during years in the design and synthesis of PtNi/MWCNT electrocatalysts using homemade MWCNT of high quality and purity, and analyzing their performance in acidic media for the application in PEM fuel cells. The obtained results are interesting and promising, high activities have been achieved as well as good stability. Nevertheless, in order to diversify the applications, as well as have a complete understanding of the PtNi/MWCNT systems, studies in alkaline media are necessary. Hence, the aim of this paper was to study the electrochemical performance in alkaline media of PtNi/MWCNT homemade electrocatalysts towards the PEM fuel cell reactions. In order to achieve this goal, the studies were performed in a conventional three electrodes cell, using a glassy carbon rod as working electrode, a Pt wire as counter electrode, a Ag/AgCl (KCl Sat) electrode as reference, and 1M NaOH solution as electrolyte. The interesting results obtained as well as the discussion will be presented at the conference.

 Acknowledgments: Authors recognize the support to FOMIX-QRoo under grant no. QR00-2011-001-174895