Si/TiO_x core/shell nanowires with branched cathode support structures for pt catalysts in PEM fuel cells

There are several significant challenges that must be overcome for PEM fuel cell commercialization such as electrode flooding, carbon corrosion, and significant cost due to the high loading of the platinum catalyst. Thus, a new structure is proposed for the cathode catalyst support consisting of Si/TiO _x core/shell nanowires with branched structures, which has the potential to reduce electrode flooding, increase stability, and dramatically reduce the required Pt loading. In this study, Pt-coated Si/TiO_x core/shell nanowires with and without branches are compared. The Pt surface area on supports with branch structures was calculated to be more than 4 times larger than on supports without branch structures, while keeping the Pt loading at only about 0.1 mg/cm² (for the samples with branched structures). SEM, XRD, AES, and TEM were used to characterize the morphologies and structures of the as-prepared samples. Branched Si/TiO_x core/shell nanowire structures may be a promising catalyst support to enable commercialization of highly cost-efficient PEM fuel cells and to promote an era of clean energy usage.