Catalytic activity of platinum–cobalt alloy nanoparticles decorated functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes for oxygen reduction reaction in PEMFC

The role of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) decorated with platinum nanoparticles (Pt/ f-MWNTs) and platinum–cobalt alloy nanoparticles (Pt 3Co/ f-MWNTs) has been investigated for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell. The electrocatalysts are synthesized by a conventional sodium borohydride reduction method and modified polyol reduction method. The modified polyol reduction method yields better uniform dispersion, higher loading and optimum particle size of Pt and Pt 3Co alloy nanoparticles over the MWNTs compared to the conventional sodium borohydride reduction method. The electrochemical surface area of the electrocatalysts is calculated using cyclic voltammetry. Pt 3Co/ f-MWNTs synthesized via modified polyol reduction method yield the highest performance with a maximum power density of 798 mW cm −2 at 60 °C without any back pressure. The enhanced catalytic activity of Pt 3Co/ f-MWNTs toward ORR is attributed to uniform dispersion and optimum particle size of Pt 3Co alloy nanoparticles over the surface of f-MWNTs. ► Pt/ f-MWNTs and Pt 3Co/ f-MWNTs electrocatalysts are synthesized by the modified polyol reduction approach. ► Modified polyol reduction method is best suited for synthesis of highly dispersed and optimum sized Pt and Pt 3Co alloy nanoparticles over catalyst support. ► The first full cell PEMFC measurements have been performed using Pt/ f-MWNTs and Pt 3Co/ f-MWNTs electrocatalysts prepared by the modified polyol reduction. ► Full cell PEMFC measurements show superior performance for Pt/ f-MWNTs and Pt 3Co/ f-MWNTs electrocatalysts in catalyzing the cathodic fuel cell reaction.