INTEGRATED GAS DIFFUSION AND CATALYST LAYER FOR DIRECT METHANOL FUEL CELLS: ELECTRODEPOSITED BIMETALLIC PtAu NANOCATALYSTS ON CARBON NANOFIBERS

Innovative electrodes have been developed by growing platelet carbon nanofibers directly on graphite paper, and placing bimetallic nanoparticles of platinum and gold on them by electrodeposition. In this way the electrodes consist of a single layer providing both diffusive and catalytic function. Platelet carbon nanofibers were grown on graphite paper by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, using methane and hydrogen as precursors. The electrodeposition was carried out by using a galvanostatic polarization, using precursor salts of platinum and gold. The electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and cyclic voltammetry. PtAu/pCNF electrodes show higher electrocatalytic activity for the methanol oxidation reaction than a commercial carbon substrate electrode with electrodeposited Pt nanoparticles.