Enhancing the catalytic performance of Pt/C catalysts using steam-etched carbon blacks as a catalyst support

Mei-xian Wang,, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
Fan Xu, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
Qi Liu, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
Hong-fang Sun, Purdue University
Rui-hua Cheng, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
Hao He, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
Eric A. Stach, Birck Nanotechnology Center and School of Materials Engineering, Purdue University
Jian Xie, Purdue University

Abstract

XC72 carbon blacks were treated using a steam-etching technique Pt catalysts using steam-etched carbon blacks (SECBs) as supports were developed for oxygen reduction reactions in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) The use of the steam-etched carbon blacks as a catalyst support can improve the dispersion uniformity of Pt nanoparticles on the surface of the support and can decrease the Pt particle size, as indicated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) data The overall catalytic performance of the catalysts using SECBs was better than that of the catalysts using non SECBs The mass activity of the Pt catalysts using SECBs etched for 1 h had the best catalytic performance for both the catalysts using SECBs and those using non-SECBs In addition, the electrochemically active surface area of the Pt/SECBs significantly increased after etching TEM results revealed that the center of the carbon black was more easily etched than the surface (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved

Discipline(s)

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology