As discussed previously and in recent publications1, the carbon black catalyst
supports may not be robust enough for long term fuel cell durability. Under
high potentials (up to +1.5 V or more) and under potential cycling conditions
the carbon can oxidize to CO2 isolating the catalyst from the
conducting network as well as promoting nanoparticle sintering and loss of
surface area. It is unlikely that metals, their alloys or intermetallic
compounds will resist at least partial oxidation and dissolution of soluble
metals cations at these high potentials. Thus we studying the behavior of
various conducting oxides at low pH and high potential. We are also exploring the behavior of such
materials under alkaline conditions, since many more oxides are stable in base
than in acid.