Platinum-iron alloy nanoparticles dispersed multiwalled carbon nanotubes as cathode electrocatalyst for PEMFC

The performance of platinum nanoparticles dispersed functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Pt/f-MWNTs) and platinum-iron alloy nanoparticles dispersed functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Pt 3Fe/f-MWNTs) electrocatalysts have been investigated for oxygen reduction reaction in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell. The electrocatalysts have been synthesized by sodium borohydride reduction method. Pt 3Fe/f-MWNTs give the highest performance with a maximum power density of 432 mWcm -2 at 60°C without any back pressure. The enhanced catalytic activity of Pt 3Fe/f-MWNTs towards ORR is due to proper alloying, uniform dispersion and optimum particle size of Pt3Fe alloy nanoparticles over the surface of f-MWNTs. © 2011 IEEE.