Two of the main issues for development of polymer electrolyte fuel cell systems, especially for automotive applications, are the high cost and poor durability of the platinum-based cathode electrocatalysts. We are addressing these issues by improving the catalyst performance and durability using different nano-structured carbon supports, including functionalized carbon blacks (i.e. attaching SO3H and COOH groups, and steam etching to increase graphitization), steaming etched carbon blacks, nanoscale graphite particles, and graphenes. The dispersion of Pt nanoparticles on carbon supports were improved, the performance and the corrosion resistance of carbon supports were enhanced. In addition, the interaction of Pt nanoparticle with the carbon support is investigated using the XPS to determine the strength of the Pt-C interaction, which will provide the mean to improve the Pt catalyst stability and durability by mitigating the Pt nanoparticle surface migration. The catalyst ink is the first step to make MEA and the dispersion of Pt/C catalyst and Nafion ionomer binder particles in the liquid media is a critical step for fabricating  high performance MEAs. We have developed methodology to determine the dispersion using the ultra small angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) and cryo TEM. The Nafion and Pt/C catalyst particle interaction will be discussed using such combination of techniques. Graphene is a single atomic thick graphite sheet with many unique properties. Recently developed V2O5 aerogels Doped with graphene has achieved 310 mAh/g @ 1C rate and 300 cycles with 63% initial capacity under 100% DOD, room temperature.

Nanostructured graphenes and metal oxides for fuel cell and battery applications

246th National Meeting (2013)

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