PEM Fuel Cells with multiwalled carbon nanotubes as catalyst support material

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) have been synthesized by the pyrolysis of acetylene using hydrogen decrepitated Mischmetal (Mm) based AB 3 alloy hydride catalyst. MWNTs have been characterized by SEM, TEM, Raman and XRD studies. Pt-supported MWNTs (Pt/MWNTs) have been prepared by chemical reduction method using functionalized MWNTs. Composites of Pt/MWNTs and Pt/C have been used as electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). Cathode catalyst with 50 % Pt/MWNTs and 50 % Pt/C gives the best performance because of the better dispersion and good accessibility of MWNTs support and the Pt electrocatalysts in the mixture for the oxygen reduction reaction in PEMFC. The paper emphasizes that Pt/C and Pt/MWNTs composites have good potential as catalyst support material in PEMFC. Copyright © 2006 by ASME.