Ultra-Low Loading of Iron Oxide and Platinum on CVD-Graphene Composites as Effective Electrode Catalysts for Solid Acid Fuel Cells

We propose a new design for electrocatalysts consisting of two (platinum and iron oxide) that are deposited on the surfaces an oxidized graphene substrate. This is based simple structure where catalysts were separately both sides substrate; while oxide precipitated out etching solution bottom-side, surface substrate was decorated with platinum using atomic layer deposition technique. The Fe2O3-decorated CVD-graphene composite exhibited better hydrogen electrooxidation performance (area-normalized electrode resistance (ANR) ~600 Ω·cm−2) superior stability in comparison bare-graphene samples (ANR ~5800 Ω·cm−2). Electrochemical impedance measurements humidified at 240 °C (Fe2O3|Graphene|Platinum) electrodes show ANR ~0.06 Ω·cm−2 loading ~60 µgPt·cm−2 Fe2O3 ~2.4 µgFe·cm−2, resulting outstanding mass normalized activity almost 280 S·mgPt−1, exceeding even state-of-the-art electrodes. value ~30% lower than charge transfer same composition absence nanoparticles. Detailed study electrocatalytic properties reveals significant improvement electrode’s addition ions to platinum-decorated cathodes, indicating these hybrid materials may serve as highly efficient solid acid fuel cells beyond.