Development of nano-catalyzed membrane for PEM fuel cell applications

Nano-catalyzed membrane with different platinum (Pt) catalyst loadings (0.25 to 1 mg cm−2) was investigated for proton exchange membrane fuel cell applications, and the Pt loading on the Nafion membrane was prepared by non-equilibrium impregnation reduction method. The prepared catalyzed membranes were subjected to various characterisations, namely, X-ray diffraction, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray, cyclic voltammetry, polarisation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The polycrystalline fcc cubic structure and the particle size of Pt catalyst were estimated by X-ray diffraction analysis. The membrane with 0.4 mg cm−2 of Pt loading exhibits a favourable surface morphology which is confirmed by HRSEM image. Electrochemical investigations were clearly evident that the uniform distributions of Pt particles with fine pores on Nafion membrane facilitated the three-phase boundary which leads to a better cell performance. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrated that the cell constructed using 0.4 mg cm−2 of platinum-loaded membrane has lower resistance than the other Pt loading.