Insights into the effect of structure-directing agents on structural properties of mesoporous carbon for polymer electrolyte fuel cells

Abstract

Synthesis of mesoporous carbon (MC) with well-defined morphologies and, wide range of surface area and pore size, is reported by organic–organic interaction between thermally decomposable surfactants (structure-directing agents) and the cost-effective carbon precursors, such as phloroglucinol and formaldehyde. Selected surfactants based on tri-block co-polymer, non-ionic and ionic, are used for synthesis of MCs with wide variation in their physical properties. The present method could be applied to large-scale production of porous carbon with desired surface area and pore morphology and would practically be relevant to many emerging technologies including electrochemical power sources such as super-capacitors and fuel cells. In the present study, we have successfully used MCs as gas-diffusion layers in fuel cell electrodes and established proper balance between air permeability and water management. The porous carbon contributes significantly to reduce mass transfer existing at high current density region resulting in improved performance of the polymer electrolyte fuel cells.