Enhancing the Performance of Low Pt Loading Prepared by Dual Ion-Beam Assisted Deposition in PEM Fuel Cells

Abstract

Ultra-low Pt and Pt based alloy/mix (Pt-Co and Pt-Cr) electrodes were prepared by dual ion-beam assisted deposition (Dual IBAD) method. Activity enhancement, based on normalization with electrochemical surface area and mass activity is reported relative to a commercial gas diffusion electrode containing carbon supported Pt electrocatalysts. Mass specific power density of 0.297 gPt/kW is reported with 250 Aå IBAD deposit at 0.65 V. Based on the morphological differences, which enable such enhanced activities and the mass manufacturability of this electrode system; we report a significant new development in terms of materials for PEMFC application.