PEDOT/C Composites used as a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Catalyst Support: Role of Carbon Amount

Carbon-based support materials are mostly used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs); however, they often suffer from degradation under the operating conditions. In this context, conducting polymers and their composites stand out as a good alternative support material thanks to their chemical stability, high electrical conductivity, and higher oxidation-resistant properties, which fulfills the requirements for possible utilization as electrocatalyst in PEMFCs. This study reports the preparation of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/carbon (PEDOT/C) composite-supported Pt nanoparticles for PEMFC electrodes. First, PEDOT/C composites were prepared using different carbon amounts by insitu chemical oxidative polymerization of EDOT monomer on carbon particles. Then, Pt nanoparticles (about 20% loading) were obtained by using a microwave irradiation technique as it is fast, inexpensive, energy and time saving, and ecofriendly. The successful synthesis was confirmed by XRD, TEM, and thermogravimetric analysis investigations. The surface area and pore structure of the PEDOT/C supports was also investigated by using the BET technique. The exsitu and insitu electrochemical analyses were performed by using cyclic voltammetry and PEMFC performance tests. The obtained results for the fuel cell open the way for the use of PEDOT/C composite support materials as electrocatalysts for fuel cells.