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Abstract
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In this work, Functionalized Carbon nanotubes (FCNTs) supported hybrid catalysts
including Pt, Fe and Ni nanoparticles were prepared and further used as an electrocatalytic
electrode for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) cathode. In this regard, various
ratios of nitric acid/sulfuric acid were tested for functionalization of CNTs. The ethylene
glycol reduction method was applied to deposit the hybrid electrocatalyst nanoparticles on
FCNTs. It was revealed that the combination of FCNTs, as the support catalyst, with hybrid
platinum and transition metals, accelerated the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) by
passing through the four-electron pathway which was due to the high crystallinity and
aspect ratio, low defect density and unique electrical conductivity of CNTs and Pt
transition metals alloys. As a result, the power density profoundly enhanced (up to
237%) while the charge transfer resistance reduced, compared to PteC 10%wt commercial
catalyst. This study demonstrated the excellent performance of FCNTs decorated PteNieFe
electrocatalyst can be considered as a good candidate for the future of the catalyst layer in
PEMFC.
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