Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are a promising clean energy conversion device for both transportation and stationary power applications. Current PEMFCs contain high loadings of expensive and rare platinum (Pt) based catalysts, which presents an obstacle to widespread commercialization in clean energy applications. While extensive efforts have been devoted to increase the catalytic activity of Pt while reducing the loading and to stabilize Pt particles¹, state of the art Pt catalysts typically consist of 2-5 nm Pt nanoparticles supported on carbon (Pt/C). Small Pt particles are vulnerable to degradation due to Ostwald ripening, coalescence, and support corrosion during dynamic operation of the fuel cell. Therefore, before the broader commercialization of PEMFCs can be achieved, the durability and robustness of fuel cell electrodes need to be improved. In this work, we present an alternative novel strategy for improving fuel cell performance durability with a new electrode architecture containing carbon-free catalyst.

Acknowledgement:

We gratefully acknowledge support from the Laboratory Directed Research & Development Program at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

References:

1. Kim YS, Welch CF, Mack NH, Hjelm RP, Orler EB, Hawley ME, Lee KS, Yim SD, Johnston CM. Highly durable fuel cell electrodes based on ionomers dispersed in glycerol. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. 2014;16(13):5927-32.