Catalytic activity of platinum–cobalt alloy nanoparticles decorated functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes for oxygen reduction reaction in PEMFC

The role of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) decorated with platinum nanoparticles (Pt/f-MWNTs) and platinum–cobalt alloy nanoparticles (Pt3Co/f-MWNTs) has been investigated for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell. The electrocatalysts are synthesized by a conventional sodium borohydride reduction method and modified polyol reduction method. The modified polyol reduction method yields better uniform dispersion, higher loading and optimum particle size of Pt and Pt3Co alloy nanoparticles over the MWNTs compared to the conventional sodium borohydride reduction method. The electrochemical surface area of the electrocatalysts is calculated using cyclic voltammetry. Pt3Co/f-MWNTs synthesized via modified polyol reduction method yield the highest performance with a maximum power density of 798 mW cm−2 at 60 °C without any back pressure. The enhanced catalytic activity of Pt3Co/f-MWNTs toward ORR is attributed to uniform dispersion and optimum particle size of Pt3Co alloy nanoparticles over the surface of f-MWNTs.