A nitrogen and cobalt co-doped titanium dioxide framework as a stable catalyst support for polymer electrolyte fuel cells

Abstract

A cathode electrocatalyst comprising nitrogen and cobalt co-doped titania supported platinum (Pt/TiON–Co) is prepared. The presence of Co and N in TiO₂, structural changes and morphologies are determined by various characterization techniques. The Pt/TiON–Co cathode electrocatalyst shows a higher cell performance as compared to Pt/TiO₂–Co. An accelerated durability test shows that the Pt/TiON–Co cathode electrocatalyst is more stable than Pt deposited on carbon (Pt/C). Physical and electrochemical studies after ADT prove that Pt/TiON–Co undergoes less structural changes and performance degradation as compared to Pt/C. The Pt/TiON–Co cathode electrocatalyst exhibits a peak power density of 900 mW cm⁻² with Pt loading of 0.2 mg cm⁻² with 2 bar back pressure under H₂–O₂ configuration. The strong interaction between Pt and the TiON–Co moiety is responsible for the improved fuel cell performance that retains long-term stability and electrochemical surface area as compared to platinum deposited on carbon.