Pt/C-TiO2 as Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysts against Sulfur Poisoning

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells using Pt-based materials as electrocatalysts have achieved a decent performance, represented by the launched Toyota Mirai vehicle. The ideal PEM consume stored pure hydrogen and air. However, SO2, primary air contaminant, may be fed along with at cathode, leading to Pt site deactivation. Therefore, it is important improve SO2 tolerance of catalysts for stability oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this work, we develop Pt/C-TiO2 catalyst against poisoning during ORR. Impressively, hybrid 20 mass % TiO2 shows best ORR anti-toxic performance: kinetic current density 20.5% higher degradation rate after 50% lower than Pt/C. interaction between well abundant hydroxyl groups on surface are both revealed account accelerated removal poisonous surfaces.