Carbon-based materials in proton exchange membrane fuel cells: a critical review on performance and application

Madheswaran, Dinesh Kumar; Thangavelu, Praveenkumar; Krishna, Ram; Thangamuthu, Mohanraj; Joseph Chandran, Arulmozhivarman; Colak, Ilhami

doi:10.1007/s42823-023-00526-y

Cited by 10 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 180 publications

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“…These techniques can improve the catalyst's performance and durability and reduce degradation over time. Developing advanced ion-conducting membranes with improved proton conductivity, chemical stability, and mechanical strength is essential [102]. Additionally, research should focus on materials like high-temperature polymer electrolytes, composite membranes, and anion exchange membranes to enhance the overall performance and durability of the fuel cell system [103].…”

Section: Current Status and Technical Barriersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Powering the Future: Progress and Hurdles in Developing Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Components to Achieve Department of Energy Goals—A Systematic Review

Madheswaran,

Thangamuthu,

Gnanasekaran

et al. 2023

Sustainability

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This comprehensive review explores recent developments in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) and evaluates their alignment with the ambitious targets established by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Notable advancements have been made in developing catalysts, membrane technology advancements, gas diffusion layers (GDLs), and enhancements in bipolar plates. Notable findings include using carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide in membranes, leading to substantial performance enhancements. Innovative coatings and materials for bipolar plates have demonstrated improved corrosion resistance and reduced interfacial contact resistance, approaching DOE targets. Nevertheless, the persistent trade-off between durability and cost remains a formidable challenge. Extending fuel cell lifetimes to DOE standards often necessitates higher catalyst loadings, conflicting with cost reduction objectives. Despite substantial advancements, the ultimate DOE goals of USD 30/kW for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and USD 600,000 for fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) remain elusive. This review underscores the necessity for continuous research and innovation, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts among academia, industry, and government agencies to overcome the remaining technical barriers.

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Section: Current Status and Technical Barriersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Powering the Future: Progress and Hurdles in Developing Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Components to Achieve Department of Energy Goals—A Systematic Review

Madheswaran,

Thangamuthu,

Gnanasekaran

et al. 2023

Sustainability

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“…In fact, the size, distribution, and geometry of the pores have a great influence on the performance of these devices [ 1 , 9 ]. On the other hand, carbon electrodes for fuel cells or sensors must have active centers, such as metal nanoparticles or heteroatoms, and specific surface areas close to 1000 m 2 g −1 [ 10 , 11 , 12 ], a suitable pore distribution for the transport of reactive gases to the active centers (accessible porosity) [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. In the case of batteries, there is not a combination of unique properties, as the properties of the carbon materials used as electrodes depend on the type of battery (lithium-ion, sodium-ion, dual-ion, lithium-air, lithium-sulfur, etc.).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Synthesis of Ni-Doped Graphene Aerogels for Electrochemical Applications

González-Barriuso,

Sánchez-Suárez,

González-Lavín

et al. 2024

Gels

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Carbonaceous materials used in most electrochemical applications require high specific surface area, adequate pore size distribution, and high electrical conductivity to ensure good interaction with the electrolyte and fast electron transport. The development of transition metal doped graphene aerogels is a possible solution, since their structure, morphology, and electrical properties can be controlled during the synthesis process. This work aims to synthesize Ni-doped graphene aerogels to study the role of different nickel salts in the sol-gel reaction and their final properties. The characterization data show that, regardless of the nature of the Ni salts, the surface area, volume of micropores, and enveloped density decrease, while the porosity and electrical conductivity increase. However, differences in morphology, mesopore size distribution, degree of order of the carbon structure, and electrical conductivity were observed depending on the type of Ni salt. It was found that nickel nitrate results in a material with a broader mesopore distribution, higher electrical conductivity, and hence, higher electrochemical surface area, demonstrating that graphene aerogels can be easily synthesized with tailored properties to fit the requirements of specific electrochemical applications.

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