Characterization of the Ternary Compound Pd5Pt3Ni2 for PEMFC Cathode Electrocatalysts

Abstract

Research on proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) has increased over the last decade due to an increasing demand for alternative energy solutions. Most PEMFCs use Pt on carbon support as electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) [1]. Due to the high cost of Pt, there is a strong drive to develop less expensive catalysts that meet or exceed the performance of Pt. Binary and ternary Pt alloys with less expensive metals are a possible route [1]. In this work, a ternary alloy with composition Pd5Pt3Ni2 was studied as a potential cathode material. Preliminary results showed similar catalytic performance to pure Pt in single-cell tests. However, to enhance its performance, it is necessary to understand how this ternary catalyst behaves during fuel cell operation. Various electron microscopy techniques were used to characterize the ternary Pd5Pt3Ni2 catalysts within the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) both before and after fuel cell operation.