Self-Assembly-Cooperating in Situ Construction of MXene–CeO₂ as Hybrid Membrane Coating for Durable and High-Performance Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Abstract

The chemical durability of the membrane is a central issue in the development of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), while incorporating cerium oxide as a free radical scavenger is one effective strategy to enhance durability. However, simultaneous dispersion and anchoring of cerium oxide in PEM have rarely been reported. Herein, MXene−CeO 2 hybrids are prepared by self-assembly-cooperating in situ nucleation growth routes, then the MXene−CeO 2 is sprayed on the cathode side of the r-PEM to fabricate a hybrid membrane with free radical resistance. The in situ nucleation growth of CeO 2 on MXene nanosheets carriers effectively inhibits agglomeration and induces an anchoring effect through their interaction forces, forming CeO 2 nanoparticles with a high specific surface and stable attachment, maximizing the free radical scavenging impact at the forefront of the membrane. The hybrid membrane with a loading of 0.1 mg cm −2 MXene−CeO 2 exhibits a lower OCV decay rate (0.53 mV h −1 ), thickness variation (2.8%), and hydrogen crossover (2.6 mA cm −2 ) and higher maximum power density (1222.5 mW cm −2 ) than pristine r-PEM after accelerated degradation testing for 150 h.

Recent Advances for the Synthesis and Applications of 2-Dimensional Ternary Layered Materials

“…19 F). Except for HER and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), 2D ternary compounds can also be applied in fuel cells, nitrogen fixation, and CO 2 reduction, and achieve some preliminary progress [ 33 , 132 – 134 ].…”

Ultra-high performance humidity sensor enabled by a self-assembled CuO/Ti3C2TX MXene

“…Besides, the agglomeration of CeO 2 nanoparticles was effectively restrained by the self-assembly method. 25 Zhang et al also constructed Fe 3 O 4 /MXene hybrid heterostructures by an interfacial self-assembly method, which permitted the spontaneous deposition of Fe 3 O 4 nanodots on Ti 3 C 2 T X MXene nanosheets. 26 Therefore, self-assembly is a good fabrication method for the metal oxide and MXene composites.…”

Synergistic Utilization of a CeO2-Anchored Bifunctionalized Metal–Organic Framework in a Polymer Nanocomposite toward Achieving High Power Density and Durability of PEMFC

“…Therefore, the extensive use of hydrogen plays a crucial role in promoting the transformation of traditional fossil energy sources to environment-friendly renewable energy resources. − A proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is drawing widespread attention, since it is regarded as a potential device that can convert hydrogen energy into electrical energy efficiently. − However, the free radicals produced during the long-term operation of PEMFC can lead to the deterioration of the proton exchange membrane (PEM). This is one of the major drawbacks that restricts the large-scale application of PEMFC. − Hence, the study on the improvement of chemical durability of PEM has been a hot topic of recent research studies . Currently, one of the most widely used PEMs in PEMFC is the perfluorinated sulfonic acid (PFSA) membrane, including Nafion.…”

“…12−14 Hence, the study on the improvement of chemical durability of PEM has been a hot topic of recent research studies. 15 Currently, one of the most widely used PEMs in PEMFC is the perfluorinated sulfonic acid (PFSA) membrane, including Nafion. Although the polytetrafluoroethylene backbone of Nafion is chemically inert, the carboxyl groups at the end of the backbone, the ether and C−S bonds on the side chains, and the tertiary carbon are subject to chemical degradation by free radicals, for example, hydrogen (• H), hydroxyl (•OH), and peroxyl (•OOH) radicals.…”