High Durability and Activity Of  Platinum-Based Catalysts Supported on Internal-Beaded Mesoporous Carbon for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Fuel Cells

Abstract

In this study, we explore the ideal carbon-support structure suitable for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) catalysts. An internal-beaded mesoporous carbon (MC) material is fabricated, and Pt/MC catalysts with different pore sizes are prepared by the microwave-reduction method. The average diameter of the Pt particles, which are deposited in the support's mesopores, is 2.6 nm. The initial electrochemical performance and durability of the Pt/MC catalyst are considerably higher than those of the ordered mesoporous catalyst (Pt/CMK-3). It is established that MC is closer to the proposed ideal carbon carrier than CMK-3. In addition, compared with commercial Pt/C catalysts, Pt/MC exhibites excellent catalytic activity and durability, and its significant commercialization potential is highlighted. The results show that MC is a perfect carbon carrier for PEMFCs, improving the catalyst's activity in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Its special mesoporous structure can effectively limit the growth of internal Pt particles and diminish the toxic effect of ionomers on Pt nanoparticles (Pt NPs).

Keywords: Mesoporous carbon, Internal platinum, PEMFC, Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), Catalyst