Comparison of platinum deposit methods on carbon aerogels used in Proton Exchange. Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC)

Abstract : With the rarefaction and price increase of fossil fuels along with the consequences of greenhouse effect, many challenges have to be taken up. Consequently, a strong research effort is devoted to cleaner energy converters like fuel cells. In the car industry, Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) are chosen by a majority. But, remaining problems must be solved before a development at a large scale, among which: reducing the costs and increasing the power density and durability. Costs reduction mostly implies both diminishing the platinum quantity required for the oxygen reduction reaction at the cathode and increasing its activity. For these reasons, researches are devoted to the impact study of various methods of platinum deposit on the performances of new electrocatalysts and to the understanding of phenomena occurring in fuel cells.