Recent Progress in Nanostructured Thin Film (NSTF) ORR Electrocatalyst Development for PEM Fuel Cells

In this paper, we provide an overview of several recent development activities towards improving the activity of nanoporous Pt x Ni 1-x thin film electrocatalysts on the 3M Nanostructured Thin Film (NSTF) support. Significant improvements in electrocatalyst specific area and mass activity have been achieved through optimization of electrocatalyst fabrication parameters (deposition, annealing, and dealloying), which influence electrocatalyst composition and structure. Membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) which incorporate improved NSTF Pt x Ni 1-x cathode catalysts have demonstrated performances which approach or exceed several U.S. Department of Energy 2020 performance and PGM-content targets.