METHOD OF FORMING CATALYST LAYER FOR SOLID-POLYMER FUEL CELL Russian patent published in 2012 - IPC H01M4/88 

FIELD: chemistry.

SUBSTANCE: method of forming a catalyst layer for a solid-polymer fuel cell involves treatment of multi-wall carbon nanotubes with gaseous plasma in the medium of an inorganic gas or a mixture of inorganic gases at electric discharge frequency 13-40 MHz, electric discharge power 0.01-0.1 W/cm³ and pressure 0.20-1.13 torr for 300-500 s. The multi-wall carbon nanotubes treated with gaseous plasma are treated with concentrated nitric acid at temperature 100-120°C for 5-10 min. The obtained suspension is cooled. Multi-wall carbon nanotubes are filtered therefrom, washed and dried. Further, the dried multi-wall carbon nanotubes are mixed with platinised carbon black containing 20-40 wt % platinum, isopropanol and aqueous nafion solution, taken in a defined ratio. The obtained suspension is treated with ultrasound for 30-60 min and then sputtered onto a perfluorinated sulphopolymer-based proton-conducting membrane which is heated to temperature 70-90°C.

EFFECT: high specific power due to high efficiency of catalysis.

4 cl, 3 dwg, 6 ex