Nanostructured Catalytic Electrodes for Low-Temperature Fuel Cells: Activation of Reactive Sites through Modification with Ultra-Thin Films of Metal Oxo Species
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- Kolary, Aneta; Zurowski, Artur; and, Marassi; Kulesza, Pawel J.
- Source
- ECS Transactions; October 2010, Vol. 28 Issue: 23 p89-100, 12p
- Subject
- Language
- ISSN
- 19385862; 19386737
We describe a new preparation method for preparation of a stable water-insoluble composite film containing platinum nanoparticles dispersed in conductive high-surface-area zeolite-type matrices of Vulcan XC-72 carbon supported acidic salts of cesium phosphododecatungstate (Cs2.5 H0.5PW12O40). To obtain the composite, Pt is obtained through corrosion of a Pt flag counter electrode and deposited on the working electrode (glassy carbon) substrate modified with Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40 mixed with Vulcan XC-72 carbon nanoparticles. HRTEM has been utilized to investigate dispersion platinum nanoparticles deposited on the polyoxometallate matrix. CO-stripping voltammetry has been used to determine the Pt surface area in the catalytic layer. The results have shown high electrocatalytic activity of the electrode containing low loading of Pt nanoparticles (about 2.6 ug cm-2) towards oxygen reduction. It is expected that Pt is located inside pores of Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40. Reactivity of Pt-free Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40 system towards reduction of hydrogen peroxide has also been addressed.