PtCo Nanoparticles on Heat-Treated Carbon Blacks for Durable PEMFC Catalyst

Abstract The development of high-performance, durable catalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is crucial to the widespread adoption of hydrogen technologies. In this context, three commercial carbon blacks (Regal 330, Vulcan XC 72R, Black Pearl 2000), each with varying surface areas and physical properties, were heat-treated at specific temperatures (1400, 1000, 1200 °C) and then used as support materials for PtCo nanoparticles (NPs). The prepared catalysts were characteri