Abstract: A fuel cell cathode catalyst is provided comprising nanostructured elements comprising microstructured support whiskers bearing nanoscopic catalyst particles; wherein the catalyst comprises platinum and manganese and at least one other metal selected from the group consisting of Group VIb metals, Group VIIb metals and Group VIIIb metals other than platinum and manganese; wherein the volume ratio of platinum to the sum of all other metals in the catalyst is between about 1 and about 4, more typically between 1 and 4, more typically between about 2.5 and about 3.5, more typically between 2.5 and 3.5, and most typically about 3, and wherein the Mn content is equal to or greater than about 5 micrograms/cm2 areal density. Typically, the volume ratio of manganese to the at least one other metal is between 10:90 and 90:10. In one embodiment, the volume ratio of platinum to manganese to the at least one other metal is about 6:1:1. Typically, the at least one other metal is Ni or Co.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for recovering platinum metal from a catalyst-coated membrane comprising nanostructured elements by exposure to an oxidizing acidic solution. The method may additionally include, the subsequent step of precipitating a platinum salt from the oxidizing acidic solution. The method may additionally include the subsequent step of calcining the platinum salt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for recovering platinum metal from a fuel cell stack without disassembly, burning or electrolysis by introducing an oxidizing acidic solution to at least one of the ports of the stack. The method may additionally include the subsequent step of precipitating a platinum salt from the oxidizing acidic solution.