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Enhanced performance of high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell using mesoporous hollow TiO2@C sphere support

Author

Listed:
  • Chen, Yuan
  • Liu, Huiyuan
  • Ma, Qiang
  • Li, Zhuo
  • Lu, Mengyue
  • Xu, Qian
  • Su, Huaneng
  • Zhang, Weiqi

Abstract

High-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) have attracted considerable attention due to their accelerated oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics, enhanced tolerance to fuel impurities, and simplified water management compared to low-temperature PEMFCs. However, severe carbon corrosion, Pt electrocatalyst degradation, and phosphate poisoning, which lead to high cost and unsatisfactory lifespan, impede the large-scale application of HT-PEMFCs. Herein, we develop a mesoporous hollow TiO2@carbon core-shell composite (MH-TiO2@carbon) as a support of Pt nanoparticles to serve as a cathode electrocatalyst in HT-PEMFCs. The Pt/MH-TiO2@C demonstrates superior performance with ORR mass activity 1.83-fold higher and specific activity 1.28-fold greater than commercial Pt/C. Furthermore, Pt/MH-TiO2@C exhibits remarkable durability compared to Pt/C after accelerated durability test conducted in both three-electrode electrochemical cell and practical HT-PEMFC single-cell. The Pt/MH-TiO2@C single-cell shows only an 8.52 % reduction in peak power density, significantly outperforming the 19.95 % decrease observed in Pt/C single-cell. These enhanced ORR activity and durability of Pt/MH-TiO2@C originate from the inherent structural characteristic of the MH-TiO2@C architecture, strong metal-support interaction between Pt and TiO2, and effective resistance to phosphate anion adsorption. This work provides a practical strategy for developing effective and durable Pt-based electrocatalysts, advancing the commercialization roadmap for HT-PEMFCs.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Yuan & Liu, Huiyuan & Ma, Qiang & Li, Zhuo & Lu, Mengyue & Xu, Qian & Su, Huaneng & Zhang, Weiqi, 2025. "Enhanced performance of high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell using mesoporous hollow TiO2@C sphere support," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 335(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:335:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225037636
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.138121
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jiantao Fan & Ming Chen & Zhiliang Zhao & Zhen Zhang & Siyu Ye & Shaoyi Xu & Haijiang Wang & Hui Li, 2021. "Bridging the gap between highly active oxygen reduction reaction catalysts and effective catalyst layers for proton exchange membrane fuel cells," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 6(5), pages 475-486, May.
    2. Chen, Zhijie & Zuo, Wei & Zhou, Kun & Li, Qingqing & Huang, Yuhan & E, Jiaqiang, 2023. "Multi-factor impact mechanism on the performance of high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 278(PB).
    3. Thauer, Elisa & Shi, Xiaoze & Zhang, Shuai & Chen, Xuecheng & Deeg, Lukas & Klingeler, Rüdiger & Wenelska, Karolina & Mijowska, Ewa, 2021. "Mn3O4 encapsulated in hollow carbon spheres coated by graphene layer for enhanced magnetization and lithium-ion batteries performance," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 217(C).
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