SEM and XAS characterization at beginning of life of Pd-based cathode electrocatalysts in PEM fuel cells
The fuel cell performance of membrane electrode assemblies with a Pt anode and Pd, PdCu or Pd5Cu4Pt cathodes has been tested during 116 h (beginning of life). The incorporation of Cu to Pd increases the fuel cell performance. Incorporation of Pt leads to further improvement. SEM micrographs of the as-prepared and the fuel cell-tested assemblies show the effects of the 116 h of continuous operation
