Non-Pt Cathode Catalysts for Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Abstract:  Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFC) have recently attracted enormous attention, due to their high energy conversion efficiency, low emission and low cost.  Non-Pt catalysts can be used in AEMFC cathode due to improved kinetics (high activity) and less corrosive environment (long term stability). We recently developed a wet chemical method to prepare Pd, Ag and their alloy nanostructures for AEMFC cathode. The Ag particle size can be controlled within 2-9 nm. The RRDE test shows that oxygen reduction on Ag catalyst in liquid alkaline electrolyte undergoes a 4-electron-transfer pathway. In a single AEMFC test, the Ag/C-based AEMFC has demonstrated a peak power density of 190 mW/cm² at 80^oC, 2 atm, which is just slightly lower than the Pt/C-based AEMFC (250 mW/cm²). The V-type durability tests show that the Ag/C-based AEMFC is more stable than the Pt/C-based AEMFC. Our latest progress in this area will also be presented.