Abstract
In this study, Pt-Ni binary alloy catalysts supported on carbon nanotubes (PtNi/CNTs) were developed for enhancing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) efficiency for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) application. The CNTs were directly grown on carbon cloths by chemical vapor deposition method and then treated with hydrophilic process. The nickel nanoparticles were deposited on CNTs by pulse electro-planting, and then the platinum particles were reduced on them in a chloroplatinic acid solution containing platinum precursor and ethylene glycol at 80 ℃ for different hours. The sample with Pt/CNTs was also prepared for comparison. Electrochemical characteristics of the PtNi/CNTs catalyst were investigated via cyclic voltammetry analysis and rotating disk electrode test in 0.1 M perchloric acid. Structure and elementary composition were measured by SEM, EDX and ICP-MS. In ORR test, it was found that the limiting current density and onset potential of PtNi/CNTs specimen were better than those of Pt/CNTs specimen. The outcome signified better PtNi binary catalysts in adsorption and desorption behavior of oxygen to increase the ORR rate.