Abstract
Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and poly (styrene sulphonic acid) (PSSA) supported platinum (Pt) electrodes for application in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) are reported. PEDOT-PSSA support helps Pt particles to be uniformly distributed on to the electrodes, and facilitates mixed electronic and ionic (H+-ion) conduction within the catalyst, ameliorating Pt utilization. The inherent proton conductivity of PEDOT-PSSA composite also helps reducing Nafion content in PEFC electrodes. During prolonged operation of PEFCs, Pt electrodes supported onto PEDOT-PSSA composite exhibit lower corrosion in relation to Pt electrodes supported onto commercially available Vulcan XC-72R carbon. Physical properties of PEDOT- PSSA composite have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. PEFCs with PEDOT-PSSA-supported Pt catalyst electrodes offer a peak power-density of 810 mW cm−2 at a load current-density of 1800 mA cm−2 with Nafion content as low as 5 wt.% in the catalyst layer. Accordingly, the present study provides a novel alternative support for platinized PEFC electrodes.
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Tintula, K.K., Pitchumani, S., Sridhar, P. et al. PEDOT-PSSA as an alternative support for Pt electrodes in PEFCs. Bull Mater Sci 33, 157–163 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12034-010-0022-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12034-010-0022-z