ALD materials in catalyst support materials on PEM fuel cells for automotive MEAs

Pirjo Heikkilä, Matti Putkonen, Antti T. Pasanen, HIlle Rautkoski, M. Bosund, Jari Ihonen, Mika Vähä-Nissi

    Research output: Contribution to conferenceConference AbstractScientific

    Abstract

    The general requirements for PEM fuel cell catalyst support materials are high electronic conductivity, high specific surface area and high electrochemical and chemical stability. Current structures typically consist of Pt particles on carbon black support material, but the mass activity of these high surface area nanoparticulate catalysts is restrainer for a large-scale commercialization of PEM fuel cell for vehicles. Reduction of platinum content per vehicle and increase of mass activity are solutions paving the way for a larger utilization of the PEM fuel cells. New approach for automotive PEM fuel cell catalysts are being developed in project CATAPULT (novel CATAlyst structures employing Pt at Ultra Low and zero loadings for auTomotive MEAs; Funded by EC FP7, Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative, grant agreement n°.325268). In this new approach platinum is deposited as an extremely thin layer on corrosion resistant supports of various morphologies including fibrous and tubular structures. VTT's approach is to produce two types of structures: core-shell carbon-ceramic sub-µm fibrous and ceramic sub-µm tubular catalyst supports utilizing atomic layer deposition (ALD) method on electrospun sub-µm fibres. Within this presentation we will present results of Nb-Ti-oxide coatings made, firstly, on carbonized sub-µm fibres in order to obtain core shell fibrous supports and, secondly, on sacrificial polymeric fibres in order to make tubular supports for platinum coating also made by ALD method. Support production and the properties of the support materials are presented, and deposition of Pt catalyst layer is discussed in this presentation.
    Original languageEnglish
    Publication statusPublished - 2014
    Event28th International Conference on Surface Modification Technologies, SMT28 - Tampere, Finland
    Duration: 16 Jun 201418 Jun 2014

    Conference

    Conference28th International Conference on Surface Modification Technologies, SMT28
    Country/TerritoryFinland
    CityTampere
    Period16/06/1418/06/14

    Keywords

    • atomic layer deposition
    • core-shell fibres
    • electrospinning
    • fuel cell
    • catalyst

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'ALD materials in catalyst support materials on PEM fuel cells for automotive MEAs'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this