Chemical activation and catalytic graphitization enable a durable and active Pt/C for low platinum fuel cell

Improving the graphitization degree of carbon is efficient to enhance the corrosion resistance of fuel cells. Nevertheless, the interaction between graphitic carbon and Pt is weak; therefore, size growth of Pt cannot be avoided. Herein, the carbon aerogel was treated under chemical activation of ammonia gas and catalytic graphitization of molten MnCl2 at 900 °C that can simultaneously achieve Mn–N4 and high-graphitization of carbon. The carbon loaded Pt catalyst presents 1.96 A/cm2 current density at 0.60 V, 1.66 W/cm2 maximum power density with 0.10 mg Pt/cm2 Pt loading in cathode of a H2–O2 fuel cell. After 10, 000 cycles accelerated durability test, the voltage drops 20 mV at 0.8 A/cm2, and the electrochemical surface area declines 15 % in fuel cell, far exceeding that of a pure graphitic carbon. Calculation and experiment results all prove interactions between Mn–N4 and Pt can contribute excellent durability.