Kyushu team reports breakthrough PEMFC nanocatalyst method

Researchers at Kyushu University in Japan have developed a new method for creating highly efficient gold nanoparticle catalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. The team showed how wrapping a graphene support in a specially prepared polymer provides an ideal foundation for making uniform, highly active Au nanoparticle catalysts. The oxygen reduction reaction at a fuel cell cathode limits the rate at which electricity can be produced. By wrapping the support in the polybenzimidazole polymer, the researchers successfully developed with Pt, creating a much better support environment for the Au nanoparticles. The catalysts had the lowest over-potential yet reported for this type of reaction.