Advances in Materials for Fuel Cell Technologies- A Review

Abstract

The primary objective of this review paper is to highlight the advances in Fuel Cell with the newly developed fuel cell materials and membranes as well as their potential applications. The major disadvantage that limits the commercialisation of conventional Platinum (Pt)/Palladium (Pd) electrode based fuel cells is the expense and hence restricts the use of fuel cells, though being more an environment friendly energy production method. With recent development and the newly emerging materials, these conventional technologies can be replaced with advanced materials and membranes. The synthesis, process chemistry, physical, electrical and chemical properties, output characteristics, workability and performance of recently developed electrode materials: Nitrogen doped Graphene electrode, Carbon Nanotube based electrodes for applications in conventional proton exchange membrane and microbial fuel cells; newly emerging polymer electrolyte membranes; Synthesis of new materials i.e. quantum dots (graphene and polyvinyl alcohol) as catalysts or support for catalysts, electron mediators and advanced electrolyte solutions have been studied in the paper. Recent advancements in the synthesis of porous materials called Metal Organic Framework for fuel cell applications have also been reviewed.

Synthesis of luminescent graphene quantum dots from biomass waste materials for energy‐related applications—An overview

“…In the past, precious metals such as Pd, Pt, Ag, Au, and so forth were used as electrode materials, thus adding to the cost of the fuel cells. Recent developments has led to the usage of functionalized GQDs as fuel cell electrodes 146,147 . In 2014, Fei et al synthesized GQD/graphene (GQD/G) hybrid nanoplatelets by hydrothermal self‐assembly and then boron (B) and nitrogen (N) were codoped in GQD/G to obtain BN‐doped GQD/‐G(BN‐GQD/G) hybrid nanoplatelets 146 .…”

“…Recent developments has led to the usage of functionalized GQDs as fuel cell electrodes. 146,147 In 2014, Fei et al synthesized GQD/graphene (GQD/G) hybrid nanoplatelets by hydrothermal self-assembly and then boron (B) and nitrogen (N) were codoped in GQD/G to obtain BN-doped GQD/-G(BN-GQD/G) hybrid nanoplatelets. 146 The optimized samples show excellent ORR electrocatalytic activity in comparison to commercial Pt/C, and they also have large current densities.…”

Top-Down Fabrication of Luminescent Graphene Quantum Dots Using Self-Assembled Au Nanoparticles

“…Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are mono- or few-layer graphene with a lateral dimension less than 100 nm. , The quantum confinement effect in GQDs opens a finite band gap and provides to graphene several intriguing optical, thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties including fluorescence. ,− Fluorescent GQDs with photostability, low toxicity, and biocompatibility have several potential applications such as bioimaging, , drug delivery, , photodynamic therapy, photodetectors, − light-emitting diodes, − solar cells, − fuel cells, , etc. Choosing a relevant synthesis method is critical for using GQDs in a desired application as the physical and chemical properties of GQDs are sensitive to their size, doping, defects, atomic edge structure, and surface functionalization, − which are affected by the fabrication methods.…”

A Numerical Investigation of The Fracture Energy of Materials for Fuel Cell End Plates

“…PEMFC is used more widely today than other fuel cells. With its high voltage, current and power density, low pressure operation, corrosion-resistant electrolyte usage, tolerance to pressure change, simple structure, low temperature operation, portable usage, it is more accurate choice than the other fuel cells with its advantages [2,6,7].Metal, non-metal and composite materials are used as material of end plates in fuel cells. Composite materials are also preferred in fuel cells due to their light weight, corrosion resistance and high mechanical properties [8].…”

“…PEMFC is used more widely today than other fuel cells. With its high voltage, current and power density, low pressure operation, corrosion-resistant electrolyte usage, tolerance to pressure change, simple structure, low temperature operation, portable usage, it is more accurate choice than the other fuel cells with its advantages [2,6,7].…”