Carbon-Supported IrM (M=V, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni) Binary Alloys as Anode Catalysts for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Carbon-supported binary IrM (where M=V, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni as the second active component) alloys as a substitute for platinum were viewed as the anode catalysts in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. The resulting IrCo/C and IrV/C of 50:50 ratio, heat-treated at 800 degrees C in argon atmosphere, exhibited promising catalytic performance in terms of the hydrogen oxidation reaction and results in mass activity and specific activity at almost the same level and even a little higher as compared with 20% Pt/C at 25 degrees C. These carbon-supported catalysts showed particle sizes ranging from 7 to 16 nm. Results of electrochemical characterizations, performed using a rotating disk electrode by cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, and chronoamperometry with emphasis on the activity of the catalyst, are presented in 0.1 M HClO4.