Characterization of MEAs Fabricated by a Carbon Support with the Nano-Channel Structure

摘要

With the aim of developing durable electrocatalysts for polymer electrolyte fuel cells, we have been working on Mesoporous Carbon (MC) with the nano-channel structure, whose diameter is ca. 10 nm. By encapsulating Pt catalysts into the pores of MC, improvement of oxygen reduction reaction activity and durability, comparing to Pt deposited on conventional carbon, has been observed in the half-cell evaluation. Improvement on its durability is mainly due to the reduced mobility of Pt particles within pores of MC. In this study, MEAs were newly developed using Pt deposited MC as a cathode catalyst. By controlling the amount of Nafion and adding a heat treatment step after ball-milling of MC, MEA with IV performance, comparable to Pt deposited on conventional carbon, was successfully developed.