Abstract
In this research, the electrocatalytic activity of platinum-ruthenium nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes and carbon black in methanol oxidation reaction has been investigated. Moreover, the electrochemical performance of a single passive direct methanol fuel cell run by these two different electrocatalysts has been reported. Physical characterization and electrochemical tests reveal the superiority of PtRu on carbon nanotubes. Based on the voltammetry outcomes, it was found that methanol oxidation reaction kinetics has been improved on the nanotube-supported catalyst. The current density of oxidation reaction has increased up to 62% in nanotube sample compared to carbon black-supported one. The electrochemical test results have shown that the carbon nanotubes increase the performance of the microfuel cell by 37% at maximum power density, compared to the carbon black. Moreover, the resistance of the samples supported by carbon nanotubes to poisonous intermediate species has been found 3% more than carbon black-supported one. According to the chronoamperometry test results, it was concluded that the performance and sustainability of the carbon nanotube electrocatalyst show a remarkable improvement compared to carbon black electrocatalyst in the long term.
Highlights
Different clean energy technologies have been evaluated in recent years to replace the current energy systems, which use fossil fuels [1]
Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are a subcategory of polymer-exchange membrane fuel cells in which methanol is consumed as fuel. e utilization of liquid fuel facilitates the safer use of this technology for a wider range of applications, from portable electronic devices to electric vehicles [5]
The impregnation reduction method has been employed for the synthesis of electrocatalyst PtRu with a 1 : 1 atomic ratio, using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent and isopropanol as the solvent. 100 mg of carbon black (CB) or MWCNT has been dispersed homogeneously in 100 mL of a solvent consisting of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and deionized water in the ratio of 2 : 1 in the ultrasonic probe device for 1 hour
Summary
Different clean energy technologies have been evaluated in recent years to replace the current energy systems, which use fossil fuels [1]. Among different power generation technologies with lower greenhouse gas emissions in comparison with the conventional fossil fuel-based systems, fuel cells have some advantages [2]. Even though much research has been conducted on methanol fuel cells during the recent two decades, there are still challenges that should be addressed. One of these challenges is the high ratio of Pt in the catalyst layer [5].
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