Dual ion-beam-assisted deposition as a method to obtain low loading-high performance electrodes for PEMFCs

Ultralow loading noble metal (Pt) electrodes, for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs ), were prepared via dual ion-beam assisted deposition of pure Pt metal particles directly onto the surface of a noncatalyzed E-TEK gas diffusion layer. Activity enhancement, based on normalization with electrochemical surface area and mass activity is reported relative to a commercial gas diffusion electrode containing carbon-supported Pt electrocatalysts. The enhanced performance was primarily dictated by the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction. Based on the morphological differences, which enable such enhanced activities and the mass manufacturability of this electrode system, we report a significant new development in terms of materials for PEMFC application. (c) 2005 The Electrochemical Society.