Nanostructured anode electrocatalysts for high performance platinum free anion exchange membrane fuel cells

The development of fuel cells is hampered by high costs, a large part of which is due to platinum (Pt) electrocatalysts. Complete removal of Pt is a difficult if not impossible task for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEM-FCs). The anion exchange membrane fuel cell (AEM-FC) has been often proposed as a solution as non-Pt metals may be employed. However, few examples of Pt-free AEM-FCs have been demonstrated with modest power output. Sluggish hydrogen oxidation (HOR) kinetics represent the main obstacle preventing the realization of a high power density Pt-free AEM-FC. Here we describe a Pt-free AEM-FC that employs a mixed carbon-CeO2 supported palladium (Pd) anode catalyst that exhibits enhanced kinetics for the HOR. AEM-FC tests run on dry H2 and pure air show peak power densities of more than 500 mW cm-2. The unique structure of palladium deposited onto a mixed support of Vulcan XC-72 carbon and CeO2 consists of Pd metal preferable deposited on the ceria regions of the catalyst.