Ag nanoparticles on mesoporous carbon support as cathode catalyst for anion exchange membrane fuel cell

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2023-04, Vol.48 (29), p.11058-11070
• Main Authors: Linge, Jonas Mart, Erikson, Heiki, Mooste, Marek, Piirsoo, Helle-Mai, Kaljuvee, Tiit, Kikas, Arvo, Aruväli, Jaan, Kisand, Vambola, Tamm, Aile, Kannan, Arunachala M., Tammeveski, Kaido
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ag nanoparticle; Anion exchange membrane fuel cell; Mesoporous carbon support; Oxygen reduction reaction
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.12.138

Silver nanocatalyst (40 wt%) is deposited on commercial mesoporous carbon support material (Ag/C) using two different wet chemical methods, to obtain high electrochemically active surface area. The catalyst materials are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and are evaluated toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline media employing the rotating disk electrode method. It is worth noting that the Ag/C leads to oxygen reduction through a direct four-electron pathway in alkaline medium. The silver catalyst on mesoporous carbon exhibits relatively higher mass activity for ORR (38 A g−1) compared to that with Vulcan carbon (32 A g−1) at −0.2 V vs SCE at room temperature. Anion exchange membrane fuel cell shows maximum power density of 310 mW cm−2 with Ag/C cathode catalyst using H2 and O2 gases at 65% RH conditions at 65 °C. [Display omitted] •40 wt% Ag/C catalysts were prepared onto novel mesoporous engineered carbon supports.•ORR on the synthesized Ag-based catalyst materials follows a four-electron pathway.•Mass activity for ORR on Ag/C catalysts surpassed that of Ag/VC.•Peak power density of 310 mW cm−2 with Ag/C cathode was obtained in AEMFC test.