Insights into the overpotential for oxygen reduction on Pt and Pt skin alloys: A comparison of theory and experiment

Matthew Neurock, Michael J. Janik, Sally A. Wasileski, Alfred Anderson, Sanjeev Mukerjee

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The catalytic activity at cathode proves to be a major source of the overpotential that limits most PEM fuel cells. While it is well established that the formation of Pt skin layers on various alloys such as PtCo and PtCr can enhance the catalytic activity by preventing the formation of surface hydroxyl intermediates, it is unclear why there is only a modest change in the overpotential at the cathode. Herein, we examine the initial stages of adsorption and the activation of O2 as a function of applied potential over Pt in the presence of an aqueous media. The results suggest that while OH is minimized other intermediates can compete for O2 adsorption sites and thus limit its activation. The results are compared with experimental results on well-defined Pt and Pt skin alloys.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAIChE Annual Meeting, Conference Proceedings
Subtitle of host publication2005 AIChE Annual Meeting and Fall Showcase, Conference Proceedings
PublisherAmerican Institute of Chemical Engineers
Volume2005
ISBN (Print)0816909962, 9780816909964
StatePublished - 2005
Event05AIChE: 2005 AIChE Annual Meeting and Fall Showcase - Cincinnati, OH, United States
Duration: Oct 30 2005Nov 4 2005

Publication series

NameAIChE Annual Meeting Conference Proceedings
Volume2005

Other

Other05AIChE: 2005 AIChE Annual Meeting and Fall Showcase
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCincinnati, OH
Period10/30/0511/4/05

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