New process for loading highly active platinum on carbon black surface for application in polymer electrolyte fuel cell

The deposition of platinum on various carbon blacks was carried out by forming active functional groups on the surface of the carbon support, and exchanging these active groups with different platinum complexes. Using H2PtCl6 solution, an impregnation rather than an exchange takes place. However, using divalent platinum complexes [Pt(NH3)(4)](2+), a fast exchange takes place which leads to extremely small platinum particles highly dispersed on the surface of carbon black. A comparison of the catalytic activities of platinum supported on various carbon blacks was also carried out. The performances of PEFC (Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell) based on the process of the ion exchange are reported.