Platinum catalysts deposited onto peat-derived carbon for oxygen reduction reaction in a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell

Abstract

The aim of this thesis was to investigate the oxygen reduction reaction on platinum catalysts deposited onto peat-derived carbon. Catalyst materials were synthesised using several different methods. Physical characterisation of the materials was carried out through particle size measurements, N2 sorption analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Electrochemical characterisation was done by measuring the electrochemically active surface area of the materials using a three-electrode system in 0.1 M HClO4 solution and a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) single cell. The ORR kinetics of the materials were investigated using a rotating disc electrode method. The activity of the materials was also tested in a PEMFC single cell. The obtained data were compared with the results of a commercial catalyst material (60% Pt on Ketjenblack EC-300J).