Catalyst for solid polymer fuel cell and method for selecting catalyst for solid polymer fuel cell

A method for selecting a catalyst which is manufactured by any method and which is used for an electrode of a solid polymer fuel cell, comprising the steps of:

• subjecting the catalyst to potential holding treatment for 10 minutes at a constant potential of 1.2 V (vs. RHE) in a perchloric acid solution;
• analyzing the catalyst after the potential holding treatment by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis to measure a Pt spectrum of surfaces of catalyst particles of the catalyst;
• and
• calculating a ratio of zero-valent Pt to total Pt by the analysis, and it is determined that the catalyst is suitable for use when the ratio is 75% or more,
• wherein an electrochemical control apparatus for the treatment of the catalyst at the constant potential and an analysis chamber of an XPS apparatus for performing the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis communicate with each other in a vacuum state, and
• the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis is performed after the catalyst that has been subjected to the treatment at the constant potential is adapted not to come into contact with oxygen.