Evaluation of the durability of ZrC as support material for Pt electrocatalysts in PEMFCs: Experimental and computational studies

Zirconium carbide (ZrC) is evaluated as support material for corrosion resistance to replace carbon in Pt electrocatalyst for the first time. The commercial ZrC (1 m2g-1) is activated using solid sodium carbonate producing high surface area activated ZrC (a-ZrC, 134 m2g-1). Both ZrC and a-ZrC exhibit good corrosion resistance properties during carbon corrosion tests. As supports in Pt/ZrC and Pt/a-ZrC electrocatalysts, the ECSA losses are below 40% after standard accelerated stress test protocols satisfying the standard set targets of DoE. The Pt/ZrC does not show significant shift in the onset potential in the linear sweep voltammetry after start-up and shut-down protocol tests. The shift in E1/2 potentials for Pt/ZrC and Pt/a-ZrC catalysts, respectively, are 13 mV and 24 mV, which are less compared to 30 mV for Pt/C. The computational analysis shows strong-metal-support-interaction between ZrC and Pt which is responsible for catalyst durability because of higher dissolution potential.