Catalytic activity of Pt anchored onto graphite nanofiber-poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) composite toward oxygen reductionreaction in polymer electrolyte fuel cells

The potential of graphite nanofiber (GNF)–Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) composite isexplored as a catalyst support for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). Due to electron accepting natureof GNF and electron donating nature of PEDOT, the monomer EDOT adsorbs on the surface of GNF dueto strong electrostatic �–� interaction. Pt nanoparticles are impregnated on GNF–PEDOT composite byethylene glycol reduction method and their effects on electro catalytic activity for oxygen reductionreaction (ORR) are systemically studied. Pt particles supported on GNF–PEDOT with catalyst loading of0.2 mg cm−2exhibit a peak power density of 537 mW cm−2at a load current density of 1120 mA cm−2,while it was only 338 mW cm−2at a load current density of 720 mA cm−2in case of Pt particles supportedon pristine GNF. The superior behavior of GNF–PEDOT supported Pt catalyst could be exclusively cred-ited to the high graphitic nature of GNF and their mild functionalization with PEDOT increasing uniformdispersion of Pt. Indeed, the non-destructive functionalization of GNF with conducting polymer, such asPEDOT, makes them promising catalyst-supports for PEFCs