Vertically Aligned Platinum Copper Nanotubes as PEM Fuel Cell Cathode: Elaboration and Fuel Cell Test

This paper describes the elaboration via an electrochemistry route of a PEM carbon‐free cathode made of a periodic array of vertically aligned platinum copper nanotubes. Nanotubes synthesis is assisted with a porous alumina mold made on a silicon substrate to perform growth of copper nanowires. After optimization of an original confined galvanic displacement with H 2 PtCl 6 salt, PtCu nanotubes are embedded into porous alumina template and directly integrated onto a Nafion ® membrane. Therefore, our process does not need any step of purification or catalyst dispersion. The performances in fuel cell of these new electrodes are compared to conventional structures made of Tanaka Pt/C with the same electrocatalytic surface area. Significant improvement in the specific activity at 0.9 V and reduction in mass transport limitations are observed compared with standard Tanaka Pt/C catalyst in real operating conditions.