Electrosprayed catalyst layers based on graphene–carbon black hybrids for the next-generation fuel cell electrodes

• DOI: 10.1007/s10853-016-0497-0
• Publication Date: 2016-10-25T19:04:29Z
• Authors: Lale Işıkel Şanlı; Begüm Yarar; Vildan Bayram; Selmiye Alkan Gürsel
• Keywords: Nafion; Carbon fibers; Ionomer; Membrane electrode assembly

Here, we report a novel electrode structure with graphene and graphene–carbon black hybrids by electrospraying for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. After syntheses of platinum (Pt)/partially reduced oxide (rGO) Pt/r-GO/carbon (CB) hybrid electrocatalysts, suspensions synthesized electrocatalyst inks were prepared Nafion® ionomer poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) electrosprayed over carbon paper to form electrodes. Electrosprayed catalyst layer exhibited uniform small size Pt distribution. As the content increases micrometer-sized droplet, pore formation surface roughness increase. Thus, an open porous which is favorable mass transport achieved electrospraying. The maximum power densities, 324 mW cm−2 Pt/rGO 441 Pt/rGO/CB electrodes, at relatively low loading.