Activity, stability and degradation of carbon supported palladium (Pd/C) fuel cell electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction

Thomas Mittermeier, Alexandra Weiß, Frédéric Hasché, Hubert A. Gasteiger

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this experimental study, we determine the size dependent activity as well as accelerated voltage cycling stability of various carbon supported palladium electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction in acidic medium. Furthermore, ex-situ transmission electron microscopy studies before and after accelerated voltage cycles provide a deeper understanding regarding particle stability during operating conditions. Regarding oxygen reduction, a particle size effect on the specific activity is observed, with bulky Pd-black (≈4 m2/gPd) exhibiting ≈x6 times higher activity than Pd supported on Vulcan carbon (≈190 m2/gPd). Mass activities, however exhibit a strong correlation with catalyst surface area at small values, but are observed to be weakly dependent only between ≈50-200 m2/gPd. As stability tests during voltage cycling reveal a benefit for smaller surface areas, i.e. bigger particles, a limited gain in stability can be achieved by increasing catalyst particle size at a negligible cost of electrocatalytic mass-based activity.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPolymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells 15, PEFC 15
EditorsH. A. Gasteiger, A. Z. Weber, V. K. Ramani, T. F. Fuller, R. A. Mantz, H. Uchida, F. N. Buchi, M. Edmundson, C. Coutanceau, J. M. Fenton, S. Mitsushima, T. J. Schmidt, K. Shinohara, K. Swider-Lyons, D. J. Jones, B. S. Pivovar, K. E. Ayers, K. A. Perry, S. R. Narayanan, P. Strasser
PublisherElectrochemical Society Inc.
Pages303-313
Number of pages11
Edition17
ISBN (Electronic)9781607685395
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015
EventSymposium on Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells 15, PEFC 2015 - 228th ECS Meeting - Phoenix, United States
Duration: 11 Oct 201515 Oct 2015

Publication series

NameECS Transactions
Number17
Volume69
ISSN (Print)1938-6737
ISSN (Electronic)1938-5862

Conference

ConferenceSymposium on Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells 15, PEFC 2015 - 228th ECS Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPhoenix
Period11/10/1515/10/15

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