A Tantalum-Rich Pt-Ta-Co Electrocatalyst for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

In polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs), Pt catalyst particle growth due to load fluctuation potential cycling, and oxidative corrosion of the carbon support due to start-stop potential cycling are important issues for cathode electrocatalysts affecting their durability. Here, we incorporate tantalum into the electrocatalyst to improve both the catalytic activity and durability. This is achieved via self-assembly of a nanocomposite electrocatalyst via dealloying to form Pt-Co alloy and TaO x support nanoparticles. Half-cell electrochemical measurements confirm that the catalytic activity and durability are significantly improved by the formation of this nanocomposite electrocatalyst.