Enhanced carbon monoxide tolerance of platinum nanoparticles synthesized through the Flash Joule Heating Method

Abstract

Was employ the Flash Joule Heating Method (FJHM) to synthesize carbon-supported Pt nanoparticles. In this method, an aqueous solution of the Pt precursorH2PtCl6·6 H2O is introduced into a reactor containing Vulcan XC 72 carbon. Subsequently, the mixture undergoes 50 cycles of discharges at 100 coulombs per discharge. Comparative XRD analysis with a commercially prepared Pt/C BASF, utilizing a reduction deposition method, reveals an expansion in the interplanar spacing of the platinum crystal lattice in the FJHM-prepared Pt/C catalyst (FJHM-Pt/C). This expansion suggests the emergence of structural defects, a finding confirmed by TEM images displaying distinct step-like features on the FJHM-Pt/C surface. Cyclic voltammogram analysis demonstrates a noteworthy increase in the oxidation pre-peak at 0.5 V for FJHM-Pt/C compared to Pt/C BASF. When employing pure H2 as fuel, the single proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) utilizing Pt/C BASF as the anode catalyst exhibits a higher maximum power density (MPD) than its FJHM-Pt/C counterpart. Conversely, in the presence of CO, the PEMFC with FJHM-Pt/C as the catalyst demonstrates a superior MPD compared to the cell equipped with commercial Pt/C as the anode. These findings underscore enhanced CO tolerance, highlighting the potential advantages of the FJHM preparation method.