Application of Modified-ACLS Electrodes on Low-platinum PEFCs

The commercialization of PEFCs is necessary for enabling a sustainable hydrogen-based economy. To reduce platinum (Pt) loading in PEFCs, we have proposed a novel catalyst structure, Alternating Catalyst Layer Structure (ACLS), via depositing different materials alternately on conventional substrate such as carbon papers [1, 2]. The ACLS can be characterized as a unique cabbage-like structure, where Pt “leaves” are partly separated by pore layers (gap layers). Its other features are: support-free and ionomer-free structure, high porosity and continuous Pt surfaces mainly consisting of contracted (111) crystalline planes. In this report, modification of the ACLS in these years and its potential as a powerful candidate for PEFC electrodes will be presented, including the enhancement of ORR activity and load cycle durability. The single cell performance of modified-ACLS electrodes (M electrodes) and its application on PEFC anode will be also introduced.

1)     W. Mei, J. Tamura, M. Yamazaki, T. Nakano, Japan Patent P4861445, US Patent 8128986

2)     W. Mei, T. Fukazawa, Y. Nakano, Y. Akasaka, K. Naito, ECS Trans. 50(2) (2013) 1377