Preparation of platinum-ruthenium onto solid polymer electrolyte membrane and the application to a DMFC anode

The 'impregnation-reduction method' has been investigated as a tool for the preparation of a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) anode. In this method, PtRu electrocatalysts were directly bonded onto a polymer electrolyte membrane by the chemical reduction of a mixture of Pt and Ru complexes impregnated in the membrane. The deposited PtRu particles were embedded in the 3-4 mum region of the membrane surface to form a porous and hydrophilic layer. The PtRu layers turned out to be applicable to the DMFC anode, despite their small active surface areas compared to PtRu nanoparticles used in the conventional method. Approximately, 3 mg cm(-2) of the PtRu layer exhibited better catalyst utilization and facilitated the release of evolving CO2. This preparation technique is attractive for the application of various solid polymer electrolyte materials with low heat-resistance or various shapes, etc. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.