مشخصات پژوهش

In this study, functionalized carbon nanotube decorated with PtFeV tri-metallic electrocatalysts (PtFeV/FCNT) by different concentrations are prepared using the ethylene glycol reduction method in order to minimize electrocatalyst load and enhance the performance of the fuel cell cathodic electrode, simultaneously. The homogeneous distribution of PtFeV catalysts on the FCNT substrate and also the change in the electronic states of Pt, Fe and V elements is confirmed with characterization analyses. Electrode half-cell tests simulating the cathodic compartment of a polymer fuel cell show that the 2 mM PtFeV/FCNT electrode increases the maximum power density by about 500% compared to the commercial Pt/C 20% wt catalyst (from 4.43 to 27.31 mW/cm2). The increase in maximum power density along with the decrease in charge transfer resistance specified by the electrochemical impedance tests confirm the synergistic effects of alloying Pt with Fe and V and the application of FCNTs. In fact, in addition to the exceptional specific surface area and electrical conductivity of FCNTs, the increase in PtFeV/FCNT electrode performance can be attributed to the improved electrocatalytic activity of PtFeV tri-metallic nanoparticle alloy, resulting from the valence alterations and the Pt network compression during alloying.