Non-noble metal catalyst for a future Pt free PEMFC

We have investigated the possibility of developing high-performance, cost-effective and durable non-noble Co metal electrocatalyst for PEMFC. In this work we applied electrodeposition process for PEMFC electrode preparation that is very efficient and far simpler than any other investigated method. The fuel cell with electrodeposited Co as anode catalyst has shown satisfying performance level. In determining FC's operating conditions, subsequent electrochemical impedance and output power measurements were done, which enable the insight into the Co catalyst based anode behavior. Structure analysis of the electrodeposited anode layer was done by means of SEM and EDS technique. Although the Pt catalyst has higher efficiency, its cost performance ratio is significantly lower than for the Co catalyst, thus this investigation gives interesting possibilities in area of stationary fuel cell application. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.