Performance Evaluation of PtAgFe/C as a Cathode Catalyst in PEM Fuel Cell

Abstract

PtAgFe/C catalysts with different atomic ratios were synthesized by wet impregnation reductionmethod in order to be used in the catalysis of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in thepolymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell. Physical characterization studies showed thatthe surface areas of the catalysts varied between 162 and 181 m2/g and the pore textures weremainly macroporous. The mean particle sizes were as small as 3.01 nm, which is for Pt6AgFe/C,but increased as the Pt atomic ratio decreased. The highest electrochemically active area wasobtained as 557 cm2/mg from the Pt6AgFe/C which has the highest Pt atomic ratio. However,mass activities were higher in the catalysts with lesser Pt content. Finally, catalysts were testedin a home-made PEM single cell by preparing membrane electrode assemblies (MEA).Pt6AgFe/C had comparable performance to the commercial Pt/C catalyst when Pt content wastaken into consideration. Results show that PtAgFe/C ternary catalysts can be used as a costeffective alternative in PEM fuel cells.