Oxygen Reduction Catalysts for Alkaline Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Abstract

Commercially available anion-exchange membranes are used in the Alkaline Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (APEFCs) that are reported here. Ionic conductivity of the alkaline polymer electrolytes are measured by a c impedance. Incorporation of anion conducting ionomer in the catalyst layer of the membrane electrode assembly and its influence on the performance of APEFCs is studied. Pt/C is used as an anode catalyst while Pt/C or Pd/C or Au/C is used as the cathode catalyst for membrane electrode assemblies of APEFCs. The catalyst with maximum performance is characterized by linear sweep voltammetry, impedance in conjunction with cell polarization. APEFC comprising Pd/C delivers a peak power density of 55mW/cm2 in relation to 40 mW/cm2 and 1 mW/cm2 delivered by APEFCs with Pt/C and Au/C anodes, respectively.