Rotating Disk Electrode Investigation of Pt/Carbon Electrocatalyst Activity and Durability

The effect of various carbon supports on both the platinum (Pt) activity and durability was investigated using rotating disk electrode (RDE) measurements. Pt supported on Vulcan, high surface area, graphitized and heat-treated carbon were evaluated for their electrochemical activity, Pt dissolution and carbon corrosion durability. Cyclic voltammetry and hydrodynamic voltammetry were conducted using Nissan testing protocols. Electrochemical active area (ECA), the area specific and mass specific activities were employed as a measure of electrocatalyst activity. Carbon corrosion and Pt dissolution durability were evaluated as a loss in ECA as a function of potential cycling. The effect of heat-treatment of the catalyst and graphitization of the carbon support on the catalyst's carbon corrosion and Pt dissolution durability is discussed.