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 language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 5-16 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Journal of Catalysis |
Volume | 259 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 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