A testing apparatus of the gas diffusion electrode catalysts for fuel cells

A new apparatus for the evaluation of catalysts in the gas diffusion electr odes is proposed. A test specimen of catalyst loaded on carbon paper is mou nted in Teflon holder and partially immersed in test solutions. The specime n is designed to revolve in the air and solution phases, thereby experienci ng alternate contacts with gas \ liquid phases. ne reactant oxygen appears to be supplied mostly when the surface of the electrode is in the gas phase , which then brings about the cathodic current when the surface is in the l iquid phase. After testing several kinds of catalysts, it is established th at the apparatus successfully simulates the conditions of gas diffusion ele ctrodes, and can be used in assessing such catalysts for fuel cells.