Fluorination: a new way to enhance the durability of carbon supports for PEMFC application

Abstract : Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are energy converters that can power nomad, automotive or stationary systems without emission of pollutants. This technology is already used for niche markets, but some challenges must be overcome to enable large-scale deployment. In particular, the electrochemical corrosion of the carbon support at the cathode remains a major concern especially under start-stop conditions. This corrosion causes massive detachment of the supported Pt-based nanocrystallites, negatively affects water management and ultimately results into a collapse of the electrode structure.