The Effect of Electrode Ink Processing and Composition on Catalyst Utilization

Abstract

Platinum surface area was chemically and electrochemically characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), H2S adsorption, and electrochemical techniques including half-cells and fuel cells. Electrode ink processing and composition were found to have a strong impact on observed surface area with increased processing leading to a reduction in platinum surface area. Fuel cell electrode measurements show a significant portion of the platinum may not be available. This unutilized Pt may be due to either ionic or electronic connectivity as evidence exists to support both ionic and electronic isolation.