Platinum-Nickel Nanotubes Array as Cathode for PEMFC

Pt-based catalysts such as Pt-Co, Pt-Cu, Pt-Ni etc. have been shown to exhibit higher oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity than platinum for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells. This paper describes the synthesis of a new carbon-free structure of electrodes made of vertically aligned PtNi Nanotubes. The process is based on an electrochemistry route of Ni electrodeposition inside nonporous alumina mold, followed by a step of controlled galvanic displacement, annealing and acid treatment leading to the formation of nanotubes. The latter are transferred onto a Nafion® membrane using an optimized hot pressing process.