CVD graphene supported cobalt (II) phthalocyanine as cathode electrocatalyst for PEM fuel cells

For the first time, CVD graphene supported cobalt (II) phthalocyanine (CoPc) is investigated as a possible catalyst to replace Pt cathode in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Impregnation method is utilized for the synthesis of CVD graphene supported CoPc catalyst. Higher heat-treatment temperatures for CoPc/CVD graphene mixtures have resulted with better electrochemical activity and stability. 5% Co/CoPc-G electrode compare to 9.3% Co/CoPc-G for 0.3 mg Co/cm(2) loading has resulted reduced voltage-current characteristics due to kinetic and mass transfer limitations. Operational parameters are evaluated resulting maximum power density of 186 mW/cm(2) with 9.3Co%/CoPc-Graphene, 25-psi backpressure, 100% RH and 80 degrees C operational temperature. (C) 2020 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.