Fuel cell anode composed of Mo2 C catalyst and carbon nanotube electrodes

Abstract

Replacement of the normal PtC anode of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) with a Mo2 CCNT (carbon nanotube) electrode gave about half the voltage (below 600 mA cm2). 2-20 nm Mo2 C nanoparticles were deposited on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by adsorption of MoO2 (acac)2 and carburization in methane. Although the Mo2 CCNT electrodes studied herein worked at a much higher overvoltage compared to Pt-based electrodes, nevertheless, their activity thus proven may be further improved. Hence, the combination of Mo2 C and CNT presented herein is a step on the way to develop Pt-free electrodes. © 2006 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.