{"id":12382,"date":"2025-08-19T06:14:04","date_gmt":"2025-08-19T06:14:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/?post_type=news&p=12382"},"modified":"2025-08-19T14:34:46","modified_gmt":"2025-08-19T14:34:46","slug":"open-access-paper-water-sonolysis-during-dispersion-affects-catalysts","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/en\/news\/open-access-paper-water-sonolysis-during-dispersion-affects-catalysts\/","title":{"rendered":"Open-access Paper: Water Sonolysis During Dispersion Affects Catalysts"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Open-access Paper: Water Sonolysis During Ultrasonic Dispersion Affects Catalysts<\/h1>\n

Catalysts for PEM fuel cells can be negatively affected by water sonolysis during ultrasonic dispersion. Tailor-made dispersion protocols are therefore crucial for the subsequent performance of the fuel cell.<\/h4>\n

Catalysts in fuel cells are fragile structures, and harmful influences should be avoided as far as possible during their manufacture in order to maintain optimum performance. For example, water sonolysis during ultrasonic dispersion <\/strong> can lead to oxidation of the carbon carrier, as radical species such as hydroxyl (OH) are formed in the process. This impairs the performance of the PEM fuel cell.<\/p>\n

Adib Caidi (pictured), a doctoral student at ZBT, took a close look at the sonochemical processes during dispersion<\/strong>. Through the targeted use of ultrasound, he was able to modify the structure and chemistry of carbon carriers and then examine them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Results published in Particle & Particle Systems Characterization<\/h4>\n

With this study, exciting first steps in the field of applied sonochemistry<\/strong> have been taken at ZBT. This has enabled valuable experience to be gained in this area. The results have now been published in Particle & Particle Systems Characterization.<\/p>\n

High-surface-area carbons are more stable<\/h4>\n

In his investigations, Adib found that carbon carriers with a very large surface<\/strong> area are more resistant to the effects of water sonolysis. High-surface-area carbons remain stable, while carbon black particles with medium and low surface areas can oxidise and lose platinum.<\/p>\n

Customised dispersion protocols<\/h4>\n

The present study provides important insights into the effects of ultrasonic dispersion<\/strong> on the physicochemical properties of carbon blacks (CB), Pt\/C catalysts and their subsequent performance in PEMFCs. The investigations suggest that customised dispersion protocols for different types of carbon black<\/strong> are crucial for the optimal performance of PEM fuel cells.<\/p>\n

The results form the basis for the development of advanced dispersion strategies<\/strong> that enable precise control over CL morphology and subsequently help to minimise performance losses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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The Paper<\/h2>\n

Impact of Sonication Treatment on Physicochemical Properties of Carbon Blacks and Pt\/C Catalysts in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells<\/b><\/p>\n

in Particle & Particle Systems Characterization<\/a><\/p>\n