Cathodes for Proton-Exchange-Membrane Fuel Cells based on Ordered Mesoporous Carbon Supports

Abstract

Electrodes for the PEMFC were made from 40 wt% Pt on ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) and their performance as cathodes in PEMFC fuel cells was evaluated. Good activity for the oxygen reduction reaction was found resulting in mass activities better than observed with commercial catalysts. The mesopores in the OMC were in the order of 3.6 nm, which did not prevent a high utilization of the Pt. However, the oxygen transport was very poor in these electrodes, suggesting the mesopores are easily blocked by ionomer and water.