Nano-architecture platinum catalyst layer prepared by electrophoresis deposition for PEM fuel cells

A Pt-loaded carbon black electrode was prepared by pulsed electrophoresis deposition in a Pt colloid solution as a plating bath to overcome the growth problem of a Pt catalyst during deposition in an electrochemical process. This method is a promising technique for preparing Pt catalyst layers at the polymer electrolyte/electrode interface. The particle size of the Pt catalyst loaded by electrophoresis deposition was the same as that of Pt nanoparticles (3–4 nm) in a colloid and the particle size was maintained even during deposition. The loading of the Pt catalyst was controlled by the pH of the Pt colloid and deposition time. The Pt nanoparticles were deposited on a carbon black electrode to a depth of 2.5 μm.