Influence of Bi modification of Pt anode catalyst in direct formic acid fuel cells

Abstract

The influence of Bi modification of Pt anode catalyst on the performance of direct formic acid fuel cells was investigated. Compared with the unmodified Pt anode, the Bi modified Pt (PtBim) electrode prepared by under-potential deposition (UPD) caused faster electrocatalytic oxidation of formic acid at the same value of the overpotential, and thus, PtBi resulted in an increase in the power performance of direct formic acid fuel cells. Electrochemical impedance spectra helped to explain the difference of performance between the unmodified Pt and Bi modified Pt electrodes. Solution conductivity and dehydration phenomena occurring in highly concentrated formic acid solutions can also explain the higher power performance of PtBim.