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Pristine and graphitized-MWCNTs as durable cathode-catalyst supports for PEFCs

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Abstract

Long-term deterioration in the performance of PEFCs is attributed largely to reduction in active area of the platinum catalyst at cathode, usually caused by carbon-support corrosion. Multi-walled carbon-nanotubes (MWCNTs) as cathode-catalyst support are found to enhance long-term stability of platinum catalyst (Pt) in relation to non-graphitic carbon. In addition, highly graphitic MWCNTs (G-MWCNTs) are found to be electrochemically more stable than pristine MWCNTs. This is because graphitic-carbon-supported-Pt (Pt/MWCNTs) cathodes exhibit higher resistance to carbon corrosion in-relation to non-graphitic-carbon-supported-Pt (Pt/C) cathodes in PEFCs during accelerated stress-test (AST) as evidenced by chronoamperometry and carbon dioxide studies. The corresponding change in electrochemical surface area (ESA), cell performance, and charge-transfer resistance are monitored through cyclic voltammetry, cell polarization, and impedance measurements, respectively. The extent of crystallinity, namely amorphous or graphitic nature of the three supports, is examined by Raman spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies both prior and after AST suggest lesser deformation in catalyst layer and catalyst particles for Pt/G-MWCNTs and Pt/MWCNTs cathodes in relation to Pt/C cathodes, reflecting that graphitic carbon-support resists carbon corrosion and helps mitigating aggregation of Pt particles. It is also found that with increasing degree of graphitization, the electrochemical stability for MWCNTs increases due to the lesser surface defects.

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Acknowledgments

Financial support from CSIR, New Delhi through New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative programme is gratefully acknowledged. Authors thank Dr. K. Vijayamohanan Pillai, Director, CSIR-CECRI for his constant encouragement and A. Rathishkumar for taking TEM images. S. Vinod Selvaganesh gratefully acknowledges MNRE, New Delhi, for a Senior Research Fellowship under their National Renewable Energy Fellowship (NREF) Scheme.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute-Madras Unit, CSIR Madras Complex, Taramani, Chennai, 600 113, India

    S. Vinod Selvaganesh, P. Sridhar & S. Pitchumani

  2. Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560 012, India

    A. K. Shukla

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  1. S. Vinod Selvaganesh
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  2. P. Sridhar
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  3. S. Pitchumani
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  4. A. K. Shukla
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Correspondence to P. Sridhar.

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Selvaganesh, S.V., Sridhar, P., Pitchumani, S. et al. Pristine and graphitized-MWCNTs as durable cathode-catalyst supports for PEFCs. J Solid State Electrochem 18, 1291–1305 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10008-013-2317-7

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