Highly Graphitic Carbon Xerogel as a Stable Support for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Abstract

Electrocatalyst support, which is used to decrease the usage of platinum and increase the utilization of electrocatalyst, is becoming one of the key materials in PEMFCs. At the same time, its properties directly affect the performance and the durability of fuel cells. In the adverse operating conditions of PEMFCs, such as the acidic environment, the high potential condition and the presence of Pt, Vulcan XC-72 carbon black used as electrocatalyst support can be easily oxidized and degraded