UBC Faculty Research and Publications

Ordered SnO2@C Flake Array as Catalyst Support for Improved Electrocatalytic Activity and Cathode Durability in PEMFCs Yang, Zhaoyi; Chen, Ming; Fang, Baizeng; Liu, Gaoyang

Abstract

Pt-SnO₂@C-ordered flake array was developed on carbon paper (CP) as an integrated cathode for proton exchange membrane fuel cell through a facile hydrothermal method. In the integrated cathode, Pt nanoparticles were deposited uniformly with a small particle size on the SnO₂@C/CP support. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis revealed lower impedance in a potential range of 0.3–0.5 V for the ordered electrode structure. An electrochemically active surface area and oxygen reduction peak potential determined by cyclic voltammetry measurement verified the synergistic effect between Pt and SnO₂, which enhanced the electrochemical catalytic activity. Besides, compared with the commercial carbon-supported Pt catalyst, the as-developed SnO₂@C/CP-supported Pt catalyst demonstrated better stability, most likely due to the positive interaction between SnO₂ and the carbon coating layer.

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