Enhanced Performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Using Platinum-Iron Oxide Catalysts Supported on Activated Carbon Spheres

Abstract

In this study, the electrochemical performance of Fe3O4-supported Pt/C catalysts was evaluated in a Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), with a focus on enhancing oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics. Fe3O4 nanoparticles reduced catalyst particle sizes and improved structural stability. Among the catalysts tested-Pt-Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticle (MNP)/C, Pt/ Fe3O4 MNP-C, and Pt/ Fe3O4 activated carbon sphere (ACS)-C-the Pt/ Fe3O4 MNP-C variant achieved the highest power density (215 mW/cm(2) at 346 mA/cm(2)) and displayed superior activity. Analytical techniques such as XRD, SEM-EDX, and TEM confirmed the superior crystallinity and phase purity of the Pt/ Fe3O4-based catalysts. Particle sizes were found to be 3.16 nm, 2.71 nm, and 4.70 nm, respectively, for Pt-Fe3O4 MNP/C, Pt/ Fe3O4 MNP-C, and Pt/Fe3O4 ACS-C. The high ORR activity of Pt/Fe3O4 MNP-C is attributed to the high surface area and conductivity provided by activated carbon spheres, alongside enhanced Pt-Fe3O4 interactions. Mass activities were recorded at 2829, 2307, and 1893 mA/mg(Pt), with Pt-Fe3O4 MNP/C showing the fastest kinetics and highest efficiency. Pt/ Fe3O4 MNP-C emerges as a promising low-platinum, high-efficiency electrocatalyst for PEMFCs, marking a significant step toward sustainable fuel cell technologies.