Abstract
In this chapter, alternative composite membrane electrolytes for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) based on advanced carbon nanomaterials are discussed. The concept of synthesizing graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) by unzipping multiwalled carbon nanotubes and GNR-graphene quantum dot (GQD) hybrids with grafting of GQD on GNR sheet in a facile single-step process is explained. Synergistic and structure-dependent effect of nanohybrids is seen via its dispersion in sulfonated polyether ether ketone (sPEEK) to form alternative nanocomposite membrane to Nafion. sPEEK/sulfonated GNR–sulfonated GQD (1.5wt.%) nanocomposite membrane shows remarkable DMFC performance compared to pristine sPEEK and Nafion 117 with 40% increment in peak power density along with higher durability up to 100hours due to its better physicochemical properties to suggest its potential in DMFC. Cost economics for the prepared carbon nanocomposite membranes for commercialization of DMFC technology in comparison to Nafion membranes is also highlighted.
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