
373Fuel Cell Components and Design
overpotential loss. The most common carbon-based particles being used for
catalyst support are VULCAN XC-72R. These carbon particles support the
catalyst particles, prevent them from agglomeration, and serve as the con-
ductor to allow transport of electrons through the electrode to external load
circuit.
In the PEMFC with an operating temperature range of 70°C–90°C, plati-
num (Pt) is the most common catalyst used on both anode and cathode elec-
trodes. The use of carbon-supported platinum (Pt/C) forms a higher active
surface area and this leads to lowering of the catalyst loading. We have men-
tioned that one w ...