FABRICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF Pt-CARBON NANOFIBER COMPOSITE MEMBRANE

摘要

Catalyst, proton conductive layer and electron conductive layers are the three major components consisting a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. The catalyst generates protons and negatively charged electrons from hydrogen. Among various catalytic materials, platinum is the most widely used catalyst. However, scarcity and the increasing demands and high price of Pt are major obstacles for fuel cell commercialization.rnIn this study, fibrous membrane consists of Pt nanoparticles loaded carbon nanofiber was fabricated with help of the electro spinning technique. Platinum(II) acetylacetonate and polyacrylonitrile, used as Pt and carbon precursors, were dissolved in a compatible organic solvent. Ultrafine fiber mats with fiber diameters ranging several hundred nanometers were then fabricated by electrospinning. Proper hydrogen treatment on the fabricated mat followed by pyrolysis under nitrogen environment resulted in highly porous Pt-carbon composite nanofibers. Chemical and electrical properties and morphology were investigated by various characterization techniques. It is expected that the fibrous composite membrane will provide a high surface area for Pt to interact with supplied gases and serve as an electron conductive layer.