Experimental investigation on DMFCs using reduced noble metal loading with NiTiO3 as supportive material to enhance cell performances

Abstract

In this present work, the effect of anode electrocatalyst materials is investigated by adding NiTiO 3 with Pt/C and Pt-Ru/C for the performance enhancement of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The supportive material NiTiO 3 /C has been synthesized first by wet chemical method followed by incorporation of Pt and Pt-Ru separately. Experiments are conducted with the combination of four different electrocatalyst materials on the anode side (Pt/C, Pt-NiTiO 3 /C, PtRu/C, Pt-Ru-NiTiO 3 /C) and with commercial 20 wt. % Pt/C on the cathode side; 0.5 mg pt /cm 2 loading is maintained on both sides. The performance tests of the above catalysts are conducted on 5 cm 2 active area with various operating conditions like cell operating temperatures, methanol/water molar concentrations and reactant flow rates. Best performing operating conditions have been optimized. The maximum peak power densities attained are 13.30 mW/cm 2 (26.6 mW/mg pt) and 14.60 mW/cm 2 (29.2 mW/mg pt) for Pt-NiTiO 3 /C and Pt-Ru-NiTiO 3 /C at 80 , respectively, with 0.5 M concentration of methanol and fuel flow rate of 3 ml/min (anode) and oxygen flow rate of 100 ml/min (cathode). Besides, 5 h short term stability tests have been conducted for PtRu/C and Pt-NiTiO 3 /C. The overall results suggest that the incorporation of NiTiO 3 /C supportive material to Pt and Pt-Ru appears to make a promising anode electrocatalysts for the enhanced DMFC performances.

Performance Improvement in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells by Using CaTiO3-δ Additive at the Cathode

“…The increase in power density, obtained with the CTO-based electrode, was around 15-20% at low temperature (30 and 60 • C), whereas it was more than 40% at higher temperature (90 • C). The maximum power density, close to 120 mW cm −2 , reached at 90 • C, is one of the highest values reported in the literature under similar operating conditions (2 M methanol at the anode, oxygen at the cathode under atmospheric pressure, 1.2 and 0.5 mg cm −2 Pt loading at the anode and cathode, respectively) [43]. The enhanced performance obtained with the CTO addition could be due not only to the improved kinetics of ORR, but also to a better methanol tolerance of the composite catalyst.…”

Performance Studies of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells with Different Flow Field Designs – Review

“…The hydrogen storage and handling, high cost of the component (Platinum catalyst), instability during dynamic conditions, thermal and water handling issues in single‐cell and stacks are some of the drawbacks of PEMFC. Many efforts have been carried out to solve the above problems like on‐board generation of hydrogen, development of new catalysts at reduced cost [11–13] and the design modifications of components for thermal and water handling issues. The design parameters of components (flow field, MEA, current collectors, supporting plates) and the operating parameters of reactants (pressure, temperature, humidity and mass flow rate) are affecting the water management and performance of PEMFC [14–17] in addition to the material properties of the components [18] .…”

Synthesis of low‐cost Co‐Sn‐Pd/rGO catalysts via ultrasonic irradiation and their electrocatalytic activities toward oxygen reduction reaction

“…The direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), which converts chemical energy directly into electrical energy, has the advantages of high energy density, low working temperature, and convenience of liquid fuel, and is expected to become commercially available for mobile applications. [1][2][3][4] However, the development for the commercialization of DMFCs is still under way because of some technological problems, such as the sluggish kinetics of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode and methanol crossover from the anode to the cathode, which consequently lead to a low fuel efficiency. [2,[5][6][7] Although Pt and its alloys have served as the best ORR catalysts, these problems can be exacerbated when they are used in DMFC because the decomposition product of methanol (CO) can slow down the ORR kinetics by blocking the Pt catalyst surface.…”