Optimization of Mesh-Based Anodes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Raghuram Chetty ◽  
Keith Scott ◽  
Shankhamala Kundu ◽  
Martin Muhler
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Decomposition ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Methanol Oxidation ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Direct Methanol Fuel Cells ◽  
Linear Sweep Voltammetry ◽  
Effect Of Temperature ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Oxidation Of Methanol ◽  
Direct Methanol

Platinum based binary and ternary catalysts were prepared by thermal decomposition onto a titanium mesh and were evaluated for the anodic oxidation of methanol. The binary Pt:Ru catalyst with a composition of 1:1 gave the highest performance for methanol oxidation at 80°C. The effect of temperature and time for thermal decomposition was optimized with respect to methanol oxidation, and the catalysts were characterized by cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction studies, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The best catalyst was evaluated in a single fuel cell, and the effect of methanol concentration, temperature, and oxygen/air flow was studied. The mesh-based fuel cell, operating at 80°C with 1 mol dm3 methanol, gave maximum power densities of 38 mW cm−2 and 22 mW cm−2 with 1 bar (gauge) oxygen and air, respectively.

Synthesis and Characterization of PdCoNi Nanocomposites Supported on Graphene as Anodic Electrocatalysts for Methanol Oxidation in Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

2015 ◽  
Vol 658 ◽  
pp. 190-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siriporn Meeying ◽  
Pinsuda Viravathana ◽  
Atchana Wongchaisuwat ◽  
Siree Tangbunsuk
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Methanol Oxidation ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Direct Methanol Fuel Cell ◽  
Chemical Reduction ◽  
Electrochemical Analysis ◽  
Xps Spectra ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Direct Methanol ◽  
Methanol Fuel Cell

PdCoNi nanocomposites supported on graphene (PdCoNi/G) have been obtained from chemical reduction of metal catalysts and graphite oxide (GO) with a strong reducing agent, followed by calcination at high temperature under N2 condition, and used for electrooxidation of methanol in direct methanol fuel cell. The morphologies and structural properties of electrocatalysts were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). X-ray spectroscopy techniques (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy XPS) was used to investigate the chemical state of the synthesized catalysts. The results of Pd XPS spectra showed the metallic Pd and PdO phases for precalcined and calcined PdCoNi/G nanocomposite, respectively. The X-ray measurement of Co and Ni displayed the various metallic oxides in synthesized electrocatalysts. For electrochemical analysis, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA) indicated that the PdCoNi/G nanocomposites enhanced the methanol oxidation, compared to the lower activity in the calcined electrocatalysts.

scholarly journals Novel Anode Catalyst for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Basri ◽  
S. K. Kamarudin ◽  
W. R. W. Daud ◽  
Z. Yaakob ◽  
A. A. H. Kadhum
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Reaction Kinetics ◽  
Methanol Oxidation ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Direct Methanol Fuel Cells ◽  
Binding Energies ◽  
Methanol Oxidation Reaction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Direct Methanol ◽  
Methanol Fuel Cells

PtRu catalyst is a promising anodic catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) but the slow reaction kinetics reduce the performance of DMFCs. Therefore, this study attempts to improve the performance of PtRu catalysts by adding nickel (Ni) and iron (Fe). Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are used to increase the active area of the catalyst and to improve the catalyst performance. Electrochemical analysis techniques, such as energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), are used to characterize the kinetic parameters of the hybrid catalyst. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) is used to investigate the effects of adding Fe and Ni to the catalyst on the reaction kinetics. Additionally, chronoamperometry (CA) tests were conducted to study the long-term performance of the catalyst for catalyzing the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). The binding energies of the reactants and products are compared to determine the kinetics and potential surface energy for methanol oxidation. The FESEM analysis results indicate that well-dispersed nanoscale (2–5 nm) PtRu particles are formed on the MWCNTs. Finally, PtRuFeNi/MWCNT improves the reaction kinetics of anode catalysts for DMFCs and obtains a mass current of 31 A g−1catalyst.

A Comparative Investigation of the Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Methanol on Pt Modified TiO2 Nanotube Electrodes with Two Methods

2014 ◽  
Vol 521 ◽  
pp. 586-590
Author(s):  
Yong Ping Luo ◽  
Shun Jian Xu ◽  
Zong Hu Xiao ◽  
Yong Huang ◽  
Wei Zhong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Direct Methanol Fuel Cells ◽  
Comparative Investigation ◽  
Electrolytic Deposition ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Oxidation Of Methanol ◽  
Direct Methanol ◽  
Electro Catalytic Oxidation ◽  
Electro Catalytic Activity

In this work, it was investigated and compared that electro-catalytic oxidation of methanol in acidic medium at TiO2nanotube (TNT) electrode modified by platinum (Pt) with two methods. Pt modified TNT electrodes were prepared by thermal decomposition (TD) and electrolytic deposition (ED). The so-prepared TD-Pt/TNT and ED-Pt/TNT electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Electrochemical investigations indicate that ED-Pt/TNT has higher electro-catalytic activity and better tolerance to poisoning species in methanol oxidation than TD-Pt/TNT, which can be ascribed to the higher dispersion and stability of ED-Pt than TD-Pt on TNT electrode. The present work provides some basis for the design of high performance catalysts for direct methanol fuel cells.

Bimetallic PtRu Nanoparticles Supported on Functionalized Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes as High Performance Electrocatalyst for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

NANO ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (02) ◽  
pp. 1650022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunhui Tan ◽  
Juhui Sa ◽  
Feipeng Cai ◽  
Bo Jiang ◽  
Gai Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Methanol Oxidation ◽  
Direct Methanol Fuel Cells ◽  
Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Direct Methanol ◽  
Methanol Fuel Cells ◽  
Multiwall Carbon ◽  
Ptru Nanoparticles

PtRu nanoparticles (NPs) supported on acid treated multiwall carbon nanotubes (Pt1Ru1/MWCNTs) were prepared by a modified polyol method without adding any other surfactant or protective agent. The structural and compositional properties of the as-obtained samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopy. The electrocatalytic performance of the catalyst was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), CO stripping voltammetry and chronoamperometry, indicating a high catalytic activity, excellent CO tolerance and stability for methanol oxidation. Interestingly, a series of accurate controllable experiments have been designed to explore the enhancement mechanism of Pt1Ru1/MWCNTs for methanol oxidation reaction. Most importantly, Pt1Ru1/MWCNTs composites were used as an anode catalyst in the direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) exhibiting outstanding power density (126.1 mW/cm[Formula: see text] 1.7 times higher than that of the commercial catalyst of Pt1Ru1/C (74.1 mW/cm[Formula: see text] (E-TEK).

scholarly journals Modification of Carbon Black with Hydrogen Peroxide for High Performance Anode Catalyst of Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (14) ◽  
pp. 3902
Author(s):  
Yu-Wen Chen ◽  
Han-Gen Chen ◽  
Man-Yin Lo ◽  
Yan-Chih Chen
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Carbon Black ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Functional Groups ◽  
Methanol Oxidation ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Direct Methanol Fuel Cells ◽  
Reducing Agent ◽  
Precipitation Method ◽  
X Ray

In this study, high-surface-area carbon black is used to support PtRu. In order to increase the functional groups on the surface of carbon black and to have a more homogenous dispersed PtRu metal, the surface of carbon black is functionalized by H2O2. PtRu/carbon black is synthesized by the deposition–precipitation method. NaH2PO2 is used as the reducing agent in preparation. These catalysts are characterized by N2 sorption, temperature-programmed desorption, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The methanol oxidation ability of the catalyst is tested by cyclic voltammetry measurement. Using H2O2 to modify carbon black can increase the amount of functional groups on the surface, thereby increasing the metal dispersion and decreasing metal particle size. NaH2PO2 as a reducing agent can suppress the growth of metal particles. The best modified carbon black catalyst is the one modified with 30% H2O2. The methanol oxidation activity of the catalyst is mainly related to the particle size of PtRu metal, instead of the surface area and conductivity of carbon black. The PtRu catalyst supported by this modified carbon black has very high activity, with an activity reaching 309.5 A/g.

TiO2 Nanotube Film as the Support of Platinum Electro-Catalyst with Enhanced Electrochemical Activity for Methanol Oxidation

2013 ◽  
Vol 750-752 ◽  
pp. 1696-1699
Author(s):  
Yong Ping Luo ◽  
Shun Jian Xu ◽  
Wei Zhong ◽  
Zong Hu Xiao
Keyword(s):  
Methanol Oxidation ◽  
Present Method ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Direct Methanol Fuel Cells ◽  
High Dispersion ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Direct Methanol ◽  
Methanol Fuel Cells ◽  
Scanning Electron

A facile method to prepare well-dispersed Platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) on FTO and TiO2 nanotube (TNTs) film was reported. The so-prepared Pt/FTO and Pt/TNT film electrodes are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show Pt NPs have been dispersed on the supporting matrixs uniformly. Electrochemical investigations indicate that Pt/TNT has higher electrocatalytic activity and better tolerance to poisoning species in methanol oxidation than Pt/FTO, which can be ascribed to the high dispersion of Pt NPs on the TiO2 nanotubes surface. The present method is promising for the design of high performance catalysts for direct methanol fuel cells.

scholarly journals Synthesis and Characterization of Te Nanotubes Decorated with Pt Nanoparticles for Fuel Cell Anode/Cathode Working at Neutral pH

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Rachele Guascito ◽  
Daniela Chirizzi ◽  
Emanuela Filippo ◽  
Francesco Milano ◽  
Antonio Tepore
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Oxygen Reduction ◽  
Methanol Oxidation ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Pt Nanoparticles ◽  
Synthesis And Characterization ◽  
Methanol Oxidation Reaction ◽  
X Ray

In fuel-cell technological development, one of the most important objectives is to minimize the amount of Pt, the most employed material as oxygen reduction and methanol oxidation electro-catalyst. In this paper we report the synthesis and characterization of Te nanotubes (TeNTs) decorated with Pt nanoparticles, readily prepared from stirred aqueous solutions of PtCl2 containing a suspension of TeNTs and ethanol acting as a reducing agent, avoiding the use of any hydrophobic surfactants as capping stabilizing substance. The as obtained TeNTs decorated with Pt nanoparticles (TeNTs/PtNPs) have been fully characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area diffraction patterns (SAD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). We demonstrate that the new material can be successfully employed in fuel cell either as anodic (for methanol oxidation reaction) and cathodic (for oxygen reduction reaction) electrode with high efficiency in terms of related mass activities and on-set improvement. Remarkably, the cell operates in aqueous electrolyte buffered at pH 7.0, thus avoiding acidic or alkaline conditions that may lead e. g. to Pt dissolution (at low pH) and paving the way for the development of biocompatible devices and on chip fuel cells.

Fuel Cells vs. Competing Technologies

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Supramanian Srinivasan ◽  
Lakshmi Krishnan ◽  
Andrew B. Bocarsly ◽  
Kan-Lin Hsueh ◽  
Chiou-Chu Lai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Direct Methanol Fuel Cells ◽  
Cell Structure ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Direct Methanol ◽  
Energy Conversion Systems ◽  
Competing Technologies

Investments of over $1 B have been made for Fuel Cell R&D over the past five decades, for space and terrestrial applications; the latter includes military, residential power and heating, transportation and remote and portable power. The types of fuel cells investigated for these applications are PEMFCs (proton exchange membrane fuel cells), AFCs (alkaline fuel cells), DMFCs (direct methanol fuel cells), PAFCs (phosphoric acid fuel cells), MCFCs (molten carbon fuel cells), SOFCs (solid oxide fuel cells). Cell structure, operating principles, and characteristics of each type of fuel cell is briefly compared. The performances of fuel cells vs. competing technologies are analyzed. The key issues are which of these energy conversion systems are technologically advanced and economically favorable and can meet the lifetime, reliability and safety requirements. This paper reviews fuel cells vs. competing technologies in each application category from a scientific and engineering point of view.

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