Thermally prepared air electrode for fuel cell

A carbon paper-based air electrode for the acidic methanol fuel cell was prepared by a simple thermal decomposition method. A H2PtCl6 solution was spread on the hydrophobidized carbon paper which carried a carbon black layer on the reverse side, and was heat-treated in a N2 flow. Platinum was deposited locally in the carbon black zone next to the carbon paper. Optimization was examined with respect to H2PtCl6 concentration, thermal decomposition temperature and time, PTFE content and thickness of the carbon black layer, respectively. The current density (amount of Pt, 0.5 mg cm−2) reached 230 mA cm−2 at 0.77 V vs she at 60°C.