High dispersion catalysts including novel carbon supports

Abstract Pt catalysts and PtRu catalysts supported on conductive carbon black (catalyst loading is from 10 wt% to 60 wt%) are normally used for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, since supported catalysts have higher active surface area than nonsupported catalysts because of uniform dispersion and smaller particles. Also, supported catalysts are more stable concerning catalyst agglomeration than nonsupported catalysts during fuel cell operation. In the case of Pt catalyst, the effect of carbon support on the catalyst's characterization and catalytic activity of the oxygen reduction reaction are investigated. The effect of metal loading on the catalytic activity of the oxygen reduction reaction is also discussed. In the case of PtRu catalyst, the influence of carbon support and metal loading on the catalyst's characterization and the CO tolerance of the catalysts are investigated. The effect of operating conditions and electrode structure on CO tolerance of the PtRu catalyst's anode are also discussed. Moreover, catalyst agglomeration phenomenon of Pt catalyst and degradation of CO tolerance of PtRu catalyst after fuel cell operation are investigated.