Activity of Platinum-Based Cathode Electrocatalysts in Oxygen Redaction for Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Influence of the Ionomer Content

Abstract

Studying the ORR activity of platinum-based electrocatalysts is an urgent task in the development of materials for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells. The catalytic ink composition and the formation technique of a thin layer at the RDE play a significant role in studying ORR activity. The use of a polymer ionomer in the catalytic ink provides viscosity as well as proton conductivity. Nafion is widely used as an ionomer for research both at the RDE and in the MEA. The search for ionomers is a priority task in the development of the MEA components to replace Nafion. The study also considers the possibility of using the LF4-SK polymer as an alternative ionomer. The comparative results on the composition and techniques of applying the catalytic layer using LF4-SK and Nafion ionomers are presented, and the influence of the catalytic ink composition on the electrochemical characteristics of commercial platinum–carbon catalysts and a highly efficient platinum catalyst based on an N-doped carbon support is assessed.

Keywords

• platinum-based electrocatalyst
• electrochemical activity
• oxygen reduction reaction
• catalytic ink
• N-doped carbon
• ionomer