Electrocatalysts for low temperature fuel cells

Abstract

Low temperature fuel cells technologies are currently shifting very fast from fundamental research to real growth. The development of electrocatalysts plays a vital role in the electrocatalytic reactions involved in these devices, because the catalyst determines the overall reaction efficiency, durability and cost. This article review progress in the research and development of electrocatalysts for low temperature fuel cells technologies, with especial attention in the contribution of our research teams over the last 15 years or so. The intensive research efforts in reducing or replacing Pt-based electrodes in fuel cells have been focus in the use of carbon nanomaterials as electrocatalytic supports, including carbon nanostructures tailored by surface modification or building in particular dopants/defects. Recent research effort has also led to the use of electronic conductivity noncarbon support materials. In addition, carbon-composite materials are proving to be a robust, inexpensive and active electrocatalysts, where the synergetic effect between the carbon nanomaterials and the ceramic or polymer nanostructures can lead to a superior electrocatalytic performance and durability for low temperature fuel cells. Perspectives on these catalysts and possible pathways to address current remaining challenges are also discussed.

Experimental and analytical analysis of polarization and water transport behaviors of hydrogen alkaline membrane fuel cell

“…Recently, many experimental studies on the AEM fuel cell have been carried out to investigate the operating behavior with various cell designs and different operational conditions [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. Compared to the well-developed PEM fuel cell, the researches on AEM fuel cell are still at early stage.…”

“…The experimental tests were also carried out by Yang et al [9] to optimize the design parameters of the gas diffusion layer (GDL), PTFE content and catalyst loading, and a peak power density of 213 mW cm -2 was achieved at 50 °C. In addition, high performance AEMs and non-precious catalysts have been prepared to enhance the MEA performance [5,6,[10][11][12][13][14]. With the design of AEM fuel cell getting improved, a series of experimental researches on the performance test, control strategy and water management are emerging in the literature.…”

Nano‐Graphene as Groundbreaking Miracle Material: Catalytic and Commercial Perspectives

“…Graphene-based catalysis is still nascent but has very bright future due to its affordability and sustainability compare to the metal-based catalysts. [52] Due to these noble and unique characteristics nanographenes show numerous applications in the field of advanced catalysis including photocatalysis, [46] electrocatalysis, [53,54] carbocatalysis, [55] etc. The present review mainly explores the catalytic advantages of graphene materials based on their 2D morphology and their possibility of modifications on graphene sheet in a way that they can act as active catalytic sites.…”

“…[58] Martínez-Huerta and Lázaro very nicely reviewed the electrocatalytic application of graphene-based materials as fascinating catalyst support in low temperature fuel cells. [54] Low temperature fuel cells are among the most promising technologies for efficient and reliable conversion of alcohol or hydrogen into electric energy in distributed power generation, automotive, and portable electronic applications at a large scale. The electrocatalysts play a vital role in these devices and improve overall reaction efficiency, cost and durability.…”

Nanofibras de carbono preparadas vía electrohilado :caracterización de las propiedades estructurales y electrocatalíticas

“…Se han realizado muchos intentos para reemplazar las fases activas y/o soportes, buscando incrementar las propiedades electroquímicas y disminuir el costo del electrodo. A diferencia de los electrodos PEMFC, los AEMFC no usan electrocatalizadores de Pt, pero todavía requieren la ayuda de nanopartículas para funcionar adecuadamente[105][106][107].Es importante identificar que hay dos tipos de reacciones electroquímicas que ocurren en la superficie de los electrodos de las AEMFC: i) la oxidación de hidrógeno en el ánodo y ii) la reducción de oxígeno en el cátodo. La reacción de oxidación de hidrógeno tiene un sobrepotencial de oxidación bajo y una cinética alta, mientras que, la reacción de reducción de oxígeno (RRO) presenta una reacción electroquímica muy lenta y conduce a un sobrepotencial más alto en la condición de operación de una celda de combustible.La RRO es una de las reacciones electrocatalíticas más estudiadas debido a su participación en la conversión de energía electroquímica, para la generación de energía en celdas a combustibles.…”