Benefits of using carbon nanotubes in fuel cells: a review

Abstract

Summary A carbon nanotube (CNT) is a nanoscale cylindrical tube formed from a single atomic layer of carbon atoms. CNTs are known to possess several unique characteristics, including high thermal and electrical conductivity, superior mechanical strength and chemical stability, as well as a high surface area. These characteristics, in addition to the fundamental advantages of being a carbon material, cause CNTs to be a favorable candidate for fuel cell applications. In this current assessment, past findings in relation to CNTs are summarized. Additionally, future prospects for microscopic study of CNTs are also presented. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The oxygen reduction on Pt-Ni and Pt-Ni-M catalysts for low-temperature acidic fuel cells: A review

“…80°C), among pure metals, platinum has the highest activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), so carbon‐supported platinum nanoparticles are commonly used as PEMFC cathode catalysts. In particular, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are promising fuel cell catalyst supports . Platinum price and ORR kinetic limitations, however, as well as the low platinum tolerance as a direct alcohol fuel cell cathode catalyst to alcohol crossover through the polymer electrolyte membrane, are obstacles to PEMFC commercialization.…”

“…In particular, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are promising fuel cell catalyst supports. 4,5 Platinum price and ORR kinetic limitations, however, as well as the low platinum tolerance as a direct alcohol fuel cell cathode catalyst to alcohol crossover through the polymer electrolyte membrane, 6 are obstacles to PEMFC commercialization. Thus, a lot of works was directed to obtaining cathode catalysts with higher ORR activity, higher alcohol tolerance, and cheaper than Pt.…”

Advanced Catalytic Materials for Ethanol Oxidation in Direct Ethanol Fuel Cells

“…In addition, CNTs have been widely explored as promising support materials for various catalysts in direct ethanol fuel cells [29]. As the integrated CNTs often show a chemically inert nature, surface treatment or chemical doping is necessary for CNTs to further enlarge their surface areas and to increase their affiliation with metal-based catalysts by introducing functionalized groups (such as the oxygen-containing group) on the surface [86].…”

“…Novel synthetic routes have been developed to fabricate various catalysts with core-shell structures [23], nanowires [24,25], nanoplates [26], nanoparticles [27], and micropores [28]. Another important way to improve the catalytic performance of DEFCs is to strengthen the contact or interaction between catalysts and supports which can further enhance the electron and mass transfer [29]. Thus, substantial attention has been directed to the optimization of support materials for various ethanol electro-oxidation catalysts.…”

“…Carbon black is among the most widely used supports for the catalysts due to its relatively high surface area and wide accessibility. Besides, graphene [30], carbon nanotubes [29,31], metal oxides [32], carbon fibers [33], metal hydroxides [34], and their hybrids [35,36] have been employed as alternative supports for ethanol electrocatalysts.…”