1 research outputs found
Towards an optimal synthesis route for the preparation of highly mesoporous carbon xerogel-supported Pt catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
11 pĂĄginas,13 Figuras, 5 Tablas.Pt particles were supported on a highly mesoporous carbon xerogel and used as catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
(DMFCs). Different synthesis routes were followed in order to study their influence on
the characteristics and the performance of Pt electrocatalysts, therefore determining the
optimal synthesis method for the preparation of these carbon xerogel supported
catalysts, leading to the highest catalytic activity. The highest active catalyst was
compared to a Pt catalyst supported on commercial carbon support, Vulcan, synthesized
in the same conditions. Synthesis methods studied were impregnation, following two
different reduction protocols (sodium borohydride and formic acid), and microemulsion,
used for the first time for carbon xerogels. The electrochemical characterization proved
that the catalystsâ synthesis method strongly influenced the catalytic behavior. The
impregnation method and reduction with formic acid lead to the highest active catalyst
towards ORR. When compared to an analogously prepared Vulcan carbon black14
supported catalyst, the carbon xerogel-based one still showed enhanced performance, in
spite of higher ohmic loss, due to the lower electrical conductivity of this carbon
material.The authors want to thank the financial support of the bilateral CNR (Italy) â CSIC (Spain) joint agreement 2011-2012 (project Baglio/Lazaro 2010IT0026). M.E.
GĂĄlvez is indebted to the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (SecretarĂa
de Estado de I+D+i) for her âRamĂłn y Cajalâ contract. CNR-ITAE authors
acknowledge the financial support of PRIN 2010-11 project "Advanced nanocomposite membranes and innovative electrocatalysts for durable polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (NAMED-PEM)â.Peer reviewe