Electrochemical behaviour of PES ionomer and Pt-free catalyst for PEMFCs

Abstract

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) represent promising technologies to the world economy, with many applications and low environmental impact. A most important aspect concerning their widespread implementation is the cost of polymeric membranes, typically perfluorinated membranes and platinum-based catalytic electrode materials, all of which are necessary to promote electrode reactions, thus increasing fuel cell energy efficiency. In this work, we present some data about non-fluorinated polyetheresulphone (PES) membranes and Pt-free catalysts, as possible substitutes of the above materials. Their electrochemical behaviour in oxygen reduction reaction in acidic media are investigated and compared with available reference materials.