Recent Developments in Carbon-Based Nanocomposites for Fuel Cell Applications: A Review

Abstract

Carbon-based nanocomposites have developed as the most promising and emerging materials in nanoscience and technology during the last several years. They are microscopic materials that range in size from 1 to 100 nanometers. They may be distinguished from bulk materials by their size, shape, increased surface-to-volume ratio, and unique physical and chemical characteristics. Carbon nanocomposite matrixes are often created by combining more than two distinct solid phase types. The nanocomposites that were constructed exhibit unique properties, such as significantly enhanced toughness, mechanical strength, and thermal/electrochemical conductivity. As a result of these advantages, nanocomposites have been used in a variety of applications, including catalysts, electrochemical sensors, biosensors, and energy storage devices, among others. This study focuses on the usage of several forms of carbon nanomaterials, such as carbon aerogels, carbon nanofibers, graphene, carbon nanotubes, and fullerenes, in the development of hydrogen fuel cells. These fuel cells have been successfully employed in numerous commercial sectors in recent years, notably in the car industry, due to their cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and long-cyclic durability. Further; we discuss the principles, reaction mechanisms, and cyclic stability of the fuel cells and also new strategies and future challenges related to the development of viable fuel cells.

A Comprehensive Compilation of Graphene/Fullerene Polymer Nanocomposites for Electrochemical Energy Storage

“…Typically, FCs are grouped based on their construction, working conditions (such as temperature), and the FCs’ polymer electrolytes’ properties [ 46 ]. A recent review by Chen et al, 2022, summarized the recent developments in carbon-based nanocomposites for fuel cell applications [ 47 ]. In their review, they elaborately explained the usage of several forms of carbon nanomaterials, such as carbon aerogels, carbon nanofibers, graphene, carbon nanotubes and fullerenes, in the development of hydrogen fuel cells.…”

Polymer based flow field plates for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell and the scope of additive manufacturing: A techno‐economic review

“…As the name suggests, polymer composite materials consist of matrix components and fillers. Materials such as graphite, extended graphite (EG), carbon nanofibers (CNF), carbon nanotubes (CNT), carbon black (CB), and graphene are commonly used as filler materials in polymer composite FFP 43–45 . Graphite is a favored for its excellent electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance; however, in contrast, the machinability of the material is low.…”

“…Materials such as graphite, extended graphite (EG), carbon nanofibers (CNF), carbon nanotubes (CNT), carbon black (CB), and graphene are commonly used as filler materials in polymer composite FFP. [43][44][45] Graphite is a favored for its excellent electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance; however, in contrast, the machinability of the material is low. EG to composite FFP improves electrical conductivity while reducing mechanical strength, 46 however, electrical conductivity remains a hassle owing to the polymeric nature of the material.…”

3D-ZnO Superstructure Decorated with Carbon-Based Material for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water-Splitting under Visible-Light Irradiation

“…Additionally, Wen et al successfully synthesized urchin-like ZnO/Au/g-C3N4 nanocomposites using the thermal vapor condensation (TVC) technique, which functioned as active and superior photocatalysts for H 2 production in visible light [32]. The remarkable features of carbon-based material, such as adjustable electrical and optical properties, excellent biocompatibility, and long-term durability, had led to their wide application in nanocomposites material [30,33].…”