Abstract
Low platinum loading electrode was successfully deposited by a modified pulse galvanic signal in H2PtCl6 electrolyte using carbon black as support directly on a GDL (Gas Diffusion Layer). SEM images of the deposition were composed by rough Pt particles of 50 nm leading to specific electrochemical surface area of 53 m(2) g(-1). In spite of large particle size and a low cathode loading of 0.12 mg cm(-2), the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) fed with humidified H-2 and O-2 at 80 degrees C, 1.5 absolute bar reached 0.2 mA cm(Pt)(-2) and 0.1 A mg(-1) at 0.9 VIA-free which were twice higher than a reference membrane electrodes assembly (MEA) with a cathode loaded at 0.4 mgpt.cm(-2). Such an active cathode electrode may be ascribed to a higher utilization rate of the platinum caused by an efficient catalyst deposition by electrochemical route. (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier B.V.