Evaluation of the Pt/C Catalyst for Fuel Cells Prepared by a Nanoparticle Formation Pulsed Arc Plasma Source

摘要

We have proposed a new platinum catalyst supporting method using a nanoparticle forming pulsed arc plasma source. This supporting method has the following features: 1. Distribution of nanoparticle diameter is small; 2. Nanoparticle diameter can be easily controlled by changing discharge parameters; 3. Nanoparticle diameter can be kept constant while its deposition rate is changed; 4. Since nanoparticles are adhered to the surface of the supporting material strongly, aggregation of the catalysts can be suppressed even at high temperature. Platinum catalyst on carbon powder for polymer electrolyte fuel cell electrodes was prepared using this method and current / voltage characteristic of its MEA was evaluated. Although its performance is a little inferior compared to the conventional catalyst prepared by wet chemistry, it may be concluded that a good characteristic is acquired considering only 1/10th the amount of platinum was used.