Electron and proton transport in gas diffusion electrodes containing electronically conductive proton-exchange polymers

• Published in: Journal of electroanalytical chemistry (1992) Vol. 459; no. 1; pp. 9 - 14
• Main Authors: Qi, Zhigang, C. Lefebvre, Mark, G. Pickup, Peter
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 23.11.1998; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemistry; Conducting polymer; Electrochemistry; Electrodes: preparations and properties; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cell; Fuel cells; Gas diffusion electrode; General and physical chemistry; Impedance; Other electrodes; Oxygen reduction; Polypyrrole; Gas diffusion electrode; Oxygen reduction; Conducting polymer; Impedance; Polypyrrole; Fuel cell; Composite film; Oxygen; Electrical conductivity; Electronic conductivity; Porous electrode; Electrocatalysts; Transition metal; Gas electrode; Experimental study; Acidic solution; Sulfuric acid; Conducting polymers; Polyelectrolyte; Chemical reduction; Platinum; Cation exchange membrane; Proton conductivity; Styrenesulfonate polymer; Electrochemical reaction; Catalyst activity; Pyrrole polymer; Modified material
• ISSN: 1572-6657; 1873-2569
• DOI: 10.1016/S0022-0728(98)00241-1

A novel supported catalyst has been prepared by the chemical deposition of Pt particles on a polypyrrole ∣ polystyrenesulphonate (PPY ∣ PSS) composite. The chemically prepared polymer particles were designed to provide a porous, proton and electron conducting catalyst support for use in fuel cells. Transmission electron microscopy, conductivity measurements, impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry confirm that these properties have been achieved. The chemically prepared PPY ∣ PSS composite exhibits very high proton conductivities that are several orders of magnitude higher than for electrochemically prepared films. Currents of 0.1 A cm −2 have been observed for oxygen reduction in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell type gas diffusion electrodes.