Optimization and Tunability of 2D Graphene and 1D Carbon Nanotube Electrocatalysts Structure for PEM Fuel Cells

Abstract

In this work, N-doped Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Few Graphene Layers (FGLs) have been functionalized with platinum nanoparticles using two methods starting with hexachloroplatinic acid as precursor: (i) ethylene glycol (EG) reduction and (ii) impregnation followed by reduction in hydrogen atmosphere. Morphological scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) analyses showed a homogenous dispersion of metal particles with narrow-size distribution onto both carbon supports (Pt/C loadings between 30 wt % and 40 wt %). Electrocatalytic properties of the as-synthetized catalysts toward the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) was evaluated in aqueous electrolyte using a three electrodes electrochemical cell by cyclic voltammetry (CV) in rotating disk electrode (RDE). It is shown that a mixture of Pt supported on MWCNT and FGLs allows to enhance both the electrochemical surface area and the activity of the catalyst layer. Ageing tests performed on that optimized active layer showed higher stability than conventional Pt/C.

Catalysts for Polymer Membrane Fuel Cells

“…Related to the electrode architecture, two papers explored fundamentally different methods for manipulating the pore structure of the support. Remy et al [2] used an interesting approach to reduce the dimensionality of the repeating unit of the carbon support material by replacing traditional carbon black with graphene and carbon nanotubes. Kamitaka and coworkers [3] uniquely explored a sacrificial nanostructured metal-oxide template to create the support architecture, which was then deployed successfully in a PEMFC.…”

Bismuth as Smart Material and Its Application in the Ninth Principle of Sustainable Chemistry

“…Many metalcontaining catalysts are applied to improve half-reaction rates which contain the fuel cell in fuel cell engineering [64][65][66]. A typical type of fuel cell electrocatalyst is established upon platinum nanoparticles [66,67]. ey are supported on slightly larger carbon particles [66,67].…”

“…A typical type of fuel cell electrocatalyst is established upon platinum nanoparticles [66,67]. ey are supported on slightly larger carbon particles [66,67]. e platinum increases oxygen reduction rate to either hydrogen, hydrogen peroxide, or water when it is in contact with one of the electrodes in a fuel cell [66,68].…”

Electrode with a Carbon Nanotube Array for a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

“…Used as catalyst supports, these materials have a positive effect on FC performance and can reduce the formation of surface oxides and corrosion currents. This is explained by the fact that thinner microlayers produced from carbon nanomaterial influence the performance by increasing gas permeability, electrical conductivity, and catalytic activity [13][14][15][16] while simultaneously normalizing the water balance of the FC due to the specific packing of graphene particles, leading to the appearance of micro-and macropores [17].…”