Journal of Applied Electrochemistry, Vol.35, No.11, 1103-1109, 2005
Preparation and characterisation of Pt deposition on ion conducting membrane for direct methanol fuel cell electrodes
Membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs) for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) have been prepared by depositing platinum on the surface of solid polymer electrolytes (SPE). Chemical and electrochemical depositions were used to achieve good adhesion between platinum particles and the SPE and for reducing the contact resistance. Platinum particle structure and composition were investigated by means of SEM and EDX. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and methanol oxidation tests were used to determine the electrochemical characteristics of the Pt-SPE electrodes which can be applied in DMFC. Overall the electrodes produced by chemical and electrochemical deposition of Pt onto the membranes are not as active as those produced by hot pressing carbon supported Pt catalyst layers onto the membrane.