Nanocrystalline tungsten carbide (WC) synthesis/characterization and its possible application as a PEM fuel cell catalyst support

Nanocrystalline tungsten carbide (WC) with a high surface area and containing minimal free carbon was synthesized via a polymer route. Its physical properties, including solubility in acid solution, electronic conductivity, and thermal stability, were thoroughly studied at two elevated temperatures: 95°C and 200°C. Compared to commercially available WC, this in-house synthesized WC showed lower solubility in acidic media at 200°C, higher …