Nitrogen Plasma Modified Carbons for PEMFC with Increased Interaction with Catalyst and Ionomer

Vulcan XC72 carbon black, conventionally used as electrocatalyst support in proton exchange membrane fuel cells, was doped with nitrogen functionalities by exposing it to plasma, and the effect on its morphology, structure texture surface properties investigated. In particular, strength of interaction between modified Nafion® ionomer evaluated isothermal titration calorimetry, an enhanced exothermic observed increasing amount at surface. The undoped nitrogen-doped blacks were catalysed Pt nanoparticles, resulting materials characterised for their electrocatalytic towards oxygen reduction reaction. using supports are higher activity stability, which is attributed a strong Pt-support promoted presence heteroatoms.