Highly stable nanostructured membrane electrode assembly based on Pt/Nb2O5 nanobelts with reduced platinum loading for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Abstract

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are promising candidates for the next-generation power sources; however, poor durability and high cost impede their widespread application. To address this dilemma, a nanostructured membrane electrode assembly (MEA) based on Pt/Nb₂O₅ nanobelts (NBs) was constructed through hydrothermal synthesis and the physical vapour deposition method. Pt/Nb₂O₅ NBs were directly aligned with Nafion membrane without ionomer as a binder. The prepared catalyst layer is ultrathin and has ultralow Pt loading. A single cell performance of 5.80 kW g_Pt⁻¹ (cathode) and 12.03 kW g_Pt⁻¹ (anode) was achieved by the Pt/Nb₂O₅ NBs-based MEA (66.0 μg_Pt cm⁻²). The accelerated durability test indicates that the Pt/Nb₂O₅ NBs-based MEA is far more stable than conventional Pt/C-based MEA.