Dispersed Platinum on Surfactant‐Free SWCNT Films for Fuel Cells

ABSTRACT Combining excellent electrical properties, high surface area, and mechanical properties of single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) via a surfactant‐free method into a robust film electrode is challenging for energy applications. Here, we report free‐standing SWCNT films derived with the aid of a Zn/Al complex dispersant with electrical conductivity as high as 5.5 × 10 5 S m −1 , surface area as high as 1200 m 2 g −1 , and tensile strength of 300 MPa, that are promising for dispersed Pt nanoparticle support in fuel cells. The free‐standing Pt/SWCNT film electrode shows fuel cell activity and a drop of −5.4% in electrochemical surface area (ECSA) after 10 000 accelerated durability test (ADT) cycles, which is superior to graphene and commercial carbon supports. The electronic state of Pt on the SWCNTs was not changed during fuel cell operation at an anodic and cathodic potential scan of 0.4 – 1.0 V, as evidenced by operando X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. The free‐standing SWCNT films prepared from the SWCNT surfactant‐free inks offer possibilities for fuel cell electrode preparation.