Work

PtCo/rGO nano-anode catalyst: enhanced power density with reduced methanol crossover in direct methanol fuel cell

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: The higher methanol utilization efficiency in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is one of the key factors that determine the performance of DMFC. Herein, we have synthesized bimetallic PtCo nano-particles (with optimized Pt:Co ratio) decorated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nano-composite as anode catalyst. The electrochemical response of optimized PtCo (1:9)/rGO catalyst revealed efficient oxidation of 5 M methanol in half-cell configuration with ~ 60% Faradaic efficiency. A current density of 463.5 mA/cm 2 and a power density of 136.8 mW/cm 2 were achieved using PtCo (1:9)/rGO anode catalyst in a complete DMFC set-up at 100 °C with 5 M methanol supply which is ~ three times greater as compared to commercial Pt/C (48.03 mW/cm 2 ). The low activation energy of 9.88 kJ/mol indicates the faster methanol oxidation reduction (MOR) kinetics of PtCo (1:9)/rGO anode catalyst. Furthermore, the higher methanol utilization and open-circuit voltage in complete DMFC using PtCo (1:9)/rGO as compared to commercial Pt/C indicate the reduced methanol crossover. The excellent catalytic behavior of PtCo (1:9)/rGO towards MOR and high methanol utilization warrant its potential application as anode catalyst in DMFC.

Source: Materials for Renewable and Sustainable Energy

DOI: 10.1007/s40243-018-0134-8

Authors: Richa Baronia, Jyoti Goel, Jyoti Kaswan, Ajay Shukla, Sunil K. Singhal, Surinder P. Singh

Institutions: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, CSIR National Physical Laboratory of India, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research

Language: English

Topic: Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,190