Research Strategies for Development of an Efficient and Effective Electrocatalyst for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells and Progress Summary

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2008 · Electrochemical Society Transactions

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1149/1.2981949· OSTI ID:945345

Payne, Terry L ^[1]; Benjamin, Tom ^[2]; Garland, Nancy ^[3]; Kopasz, John ^[2]

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1. ORNL
2. Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)
3. U.S. Department of Energy

The current electrocatalyst formulation for the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), platinum supported on carbon (Pt/C), is known to be an effective promoter of redox reactions in fuel cells. However, the cost of Pt (currently ~$2,000/troy ounce) hinders its use as a practical catalyst in commercial fuel cell-powered vehicles at current platinum loading. Another issue with respect to adoption of any electrocatalyst for vehicle applications is durability, especially in light of transportation drive cycle operation with start/stop, start-up/shut-down, and transient requirements. Thus, a robust alternative to current Pt/C technology is needed as the PEMFC electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on the cathode. The U.S. Department of Energy is funding cathode catalyst research on low-platinum group metal (PGM) catalysts, including alloys and core-shell systems, and on non-PGM catalysts. This paper provides an overview of the issues, approaches, and status of the research.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
• Sponsoring Organization: EE USDOE - Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EE)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 945345
• Journal Information: Electrochemical Society Transactions, Journal Name: Electrochemical Society Transactions Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 16
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

electrocatalyst
fuel cell
hydrogen
nanoparticles
platinum