Enhanced electrocatalytic activity of CoTMPP-based catalysts for PEMFCs by plasma treatment

In this work, we developed a methodology of plasma-enhanced preparation of CoTMPP (tetramethoxyphenylporphyrin)-based electrocatalysts. A series of CoTMPP-based electrocatalysts were deposited on the porous gas diffusion substrate (titanium fibre felt) using plasma-enhanced impregnation method. Impregnated 1.5 mg cm−2 CoTMPP/Ti catalysts were treated by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma in Ar or N2 atmosphere. Additionally, the pretreatment methods were utilized to improve the adhesion of CoTMPP on the diffusion layer surface. The plasma pretreatment methods included the a-C:H-layers deposition followed by an Ar:O2 radio frequency (RF) plasma functionalization. The latter approach led to the formation of specific oxygen surface groups that influenced the catalysts activity. Obtained catalysts were compared in terms of activity, stability and structure. The catalytic activity for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) reduction was tested in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) using hydrogen peroxide on the cathode side. Surface elemental analysis and structure of catalysts were examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Our contribution shows the potential of a plasma treatment in the preparation of electrocatalysts for hydrogen peroxide reduction reaction in a PEMFC. Under the conditions of this study, improvement of the PEMFC performance up to 30% was achievable by a deposition of CoTMPP on the titanium diffusion substrate followed by plasma treatment. The large differences in catalytic activity of CoTMPP/Ti were observed, depending on the plasma treatment applied to the catalysts during their preparation.