Fuel cell performance and characterization of 1-D carbon-supported platinum nanocomposites synthesized in supercritical fluids

André D. Taylor, Ryan C. Sekol, Jeremy M. Kizuka, Salome D'Cunha, Craig M. Comisar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We present Pt particle size and fuel cell results for carbon black, carbon fibers, and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The study investigated how high-temperature liquid and supercritical fluid synthesis conditions could influence the Pt particle size and fuel cell performance of these nanocomposite catalyst materials. High-temperature methanol is a suitable medium for Pt particle size deposition, generating smaller particles (90% measuring ≤5 nm). The addition of a surfactant, such as sodium dodecyl sulfate, to the fluid medium improved the fuel cell performance and Pt utilization of all 3 supports by 27 to 63%, with the best catalyst material, Pt/SWCNTs, having a peak power density of 449 mW/cm2. This synthesis technique was a very fast (<5 min) process with no reactor sidewall effects on Pt particle size or yield.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)5-16
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Catalysis
Volume259
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2008

Keywords

  • Carbon fibers
  • Carbon nanotubes
  • Fuel cells
  • Nanostructured catalysts
  • PEM fuel cells
  • Supercritical fluids

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

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