Nanoneedle-structured Anode Catalyst for Low-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Abstract

A new state-of-the-art NiMnCo anode co-catalyst has been prepared and investigated with the aim of reducing dependence on expensive Pt catalysts in hydrogen-based fuel cells. The as-prepared co-catalyst exhibited a three dimensional (3D) nanoneedle structure, which was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Pt nanoparticles (approximately 10 wt %) were deposited on the surface of the 3D NiMnCo nanoneedles to further increase their electrocatalytic activity, and the performance of membrane-electrode-assemblies based on the Pt@NiMnCo and NiMnCo anode catalysts was evaluated. The peak power densities of the Pt@NiMnCo- and NiMnCo- based fuel cells were found to be 352.64 and 299.78 mW/cm(2), respectively, at 80 degrees C. Furthermore, the Pt@NiMnCo nanoneedle catalyst exhibited a power density slightly lower than that of a commercial Pt/C (40 wt% Pt) catalyst at 60 degrees C. Thus, the NiMnCo nanoneedle co-catalyst could reduce the dependence of proton exchange membrane fuel cells on Pt catalysts.