Correlation between the surface characteristics of carbon supports and their electrochemical stability and performance in fuel cell cathodes

In this paper, an extensive characterisation of a range carbon blacks (CB) with similar surface area but different chemistry is carried out by flow calorimetry, Raman spectroscopy, dynamic water vapour sorption, instrumental gas analysis, nitrogen adsorption/desorption and high potential chronoamperometry. Using these materials as supports, Pt/CB electrocatalysts are prepared microwave-assisted polyol-mediated synthesis in gram scale. Structural, morphological electrochemical properties the evaluated X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, rotating disc electrode situ fuel cell corresponding membrane–electrode assemblies. The obtained results allow to establish relationship between useful for design Pt/C catalyst layers performance stability.