Electrochemical performance of a nanostructured Pd 70 Co 20 Mo 10 MEA

Results obtained by open circuit and potentiodynamic tests directly on a PEM fuel cell for a nanostructured Pd70Co20Mo10 MEA are reported. A comparison of these results with the open circuit results obtained from a commercial Pt MEA is made, showing that although there ́s lower efficiency of the trimetallic catalyst, it is feasible to develop new Platinum-free MEA ́s. Background work involved ab-initio calculations using Materials Studio software to estimate catalyst structure and reaction capability to dissociate H2 molecule, as well as the synthesis of a trimetallic catalyst at the nanometric level. Chemical composition for the nanostructured anodic and cathodic trimetallic catalyst is determined by AES and compared to the AES pattern obtained for the bulk Pd70Co20Mo10.