Exceptionally Stable Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells Enabled by One-Pot Sequential Atomic Layer Deposition of Titania and Platinum

Abstract

In fuel cells, carbon corrosion occurs due to electrochemical oxidation under driving conditions. The carbon used as a catalyst layer in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) negatively affects the durability of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). Although various support materials have been investigated to prevent carbon corrosion, the problem remains unresolved. In this article, we present a strategy for preventing carbon corrosion by depositing a nanoscale TiO2 film on a carbon support through cycle control using atomic layer deposition (ALD). In addition, ALD Pt/TiO2-C is manufactured by depositing Pt nanoparticles on a support using ALD based on the Pt nanoparticle size of commercial Pt/C. The fabricated catalyst layer was characterized using transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectrometry. The ALD Pt/TiO2-C material was found to have excellent uniformity, density, and dispersibility owing to functional groups, such as the OH- of TiO2, and exhibits excellent resistance to carbon corrosion when accelerated degradation tests are performed according to the catalyst support durability protocol of the U.S. Department of Energy. By fabricating a catalyst layer through the atomic-scale control of metal catalysts and metal oxides, we have advanced toward the ultimate goal of a durable catalyst layer for the future commercialization of PEMFCs.