Effect of microwave irradiation on PEMFCs anode and cathode catalysts

Abstract

This study explored the effects of PtCo/C catalysts modified by microwave radiation as anode and cathode catalysts in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The PtCo/C catalyst was synthesized using sodium borohydride and formic acid-reducing agents by a chemical reduction method. The structural properties of PtCo/C and modified PtCo/C catalysts were analyzed by XRD analysis. The composition and distribution of these alloys in Vulcan XC-72R carbon were determined by SEM techniques. The electrochemical properties of the catalysts were evaluated by CV studies. The tafel slope b values for PtCo/C and modified PtCo/C catalysts were calculated as 84 mV/dec and 43 mV/dec when used as cathode catalysts, and 54 mV/dec and 41 mV/dec when used as anode catalysts, respectively. The power density values were calculated as 52 mW/cm² and 58 mW/cm² when PtCo/C and modified PtCo/C were used as cathode catalysts, and 33.48 mW/cm² and 52.08 mW/cm² when used as anode catalysts, respectively. The power density rises by 12% when the modified PtCo/C catalyst is employed as the anode catalyst and by 56% when it is used as the cathode catalyst, as compared to PtCo/C catalysts.