Catalyzed microelectrode mediated by PPy/Nafion® composite film for microfabricated fuel cells

A novel Si-based micromachined electrode composed of polypyrrole (PPy)/Nafion® film and electrochemically deposited Pt nanocatalysts was prepared for microfabricated fuel cell applications. In addition to its high surface area to host nanocatalyst particles, the PPy/Nafion composite film offers good electron and proton conductivity, and the fabrication of such films is largely compatible with the micromachining process. The resulting catalyzed microelectrodes exhibit high electrochemically active surface area and high catalyst utilization. The corresponding Si-based micro membrane-electrode assembly demonstrates good cell polarization characteristics using the H2/O2feed.