Microwave application as an alternative method to increase the efficiency of PtC catalyst in PEMFCs

Şahin Ö., Yilmaz A., Ekinci A.

Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part A: Journal of Power and Energy, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/09576509231158414
  • Journal Name: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part A: Journal of Power and Energy
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Aerospace Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Greenfile, INSPEC, Metadex, Pollution Abstracts, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Keywords: Microwave irradiation, modified, proton exchange membrane fuel cell, polarization Curves, Pt, C
  • Istanbul Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study aims to develop a high-performance Pt/C catalyst for the cathode and anode parts of a modified Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell in nitrogen and argon gases at different microwave radiation powers. The pure and modified forms of the synthesized Pt/C catalysts were characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRD results revealed that the crystal structure of the modified Pt/C catalyst was perfect and that the particle size of the catalytic material grew significantly as a consequence of the modification. Furthermore, the durability of PEM fuel cell electrocatalysts was investigated using the cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique. The experimental results indicated that microwave radiation had a significant effect on the particle size of the Pt/C catalyst. Additionally, the modified Pt/C catalyst exhibited a decreased activation potential loss and increased the cathode and anode power density values by 34% and 47%, respectively, compared to the Pt/C catalyst.