Performance comparison of FeNiCo, FeNiCu and FeNiCoCu alloy particles as catalyst material for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Abstract

Fuel cells are using for electric production via redox reactions where catalyst material are used for increasing sluggish rates of reactions. Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are the most promising types for daily life usage. Platinum is the most known catalyst material and it leads to high prices of fuel cell. Thus, new materials should be innovated instead of noble catalyst materials. In this study, FeNiCo, FeNiCu, FeNiCoCu alloy particles were produced in both ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and mechanical alloying methods to innovate alternative catalyst materials. Products were characterized by XRD, SEM–EDS. Spherical particles which are very important for catalytic properties, were produced with ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method. Elemental weight percentage of particles were observed close to each other. First in the literature, gas flow test was applied to observe gas consumption rates and generate the initial parameters for simulation study which was done to compare catalytic performances of products and conventional Pt catalyst. Ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method provided more catalytic surface behaviors. FeNiCu and FeNiCoCu of this method were found as promising catalyst materials.