On the possibility of replacement of Pt by Pd in a hydrogen electrode of PEM fuel cells

Nanostructured Pt- and Pd-based electrocatalysts for hydrogen oxidation in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells have been synthesized and characterized. Electro-active metallic particles were obtained by chemical reduction of precursor salts on Vulcan XC-72 carbon carrier using ethylene glycol with the addition of formaldehyde. Using the synthesized Pd- and Pt-based catalysts membrane–electrode assemblies (MEAs) have been prepared and successfully tested in single fuel cells. Comparison of MEA performances demonstrates the principal possibility of replacement of the Pt by the Pd on the hydrogen electrode of PEM fuel cells.