Nanostructured graphene materials utilization in fuel cells and batteries: A review

Abstract

• Understanding graphene structure and properties can help in grasping the idea of graphene in suitable consideration and applications. • Integration of graphene in fuel cells and batteries have shown a better enhancement in the performance and efficiency. • Developing further advanced studies and researches on graphene can be a potential material in renewable energy sector. • Overcoming the main challenges of graphene materials will make it the best candidate for any application especially in energy field. Energy demand is increasing in the present world where it is essential to explore alternative energy resource that is clean, renewable and sustainable. Graphene is now receiving the great attention as it possesses excellent properties such as high charge mobility up to 230,000 cm 2 /Vs, 3000 W/m.K thermal conductivity, 2.3% absorption of visible light, strong mechanical strength of 130 GPa and high specific surface area of 2600 m 2 /g. These properties can be altered depending on synthesis techniques to obtain graphene such as; mechanical exfoliation, reduction of graphene oxide, chemical vapour deposition (CVD) and epitaxial growth of graphene. Furthermore, different characteristics of graphene can be employed for different applications in energy conversion and storage, for example, fuel cell and lithium ion battery. Hence, many studies were investigated to examine graphene and its applications. The objectives of this review is to understand and cover graphene background including properties and synthesis, which will help in understanding better the concept of graphene in its application such as in fuel cell and lithium ion batteries. In addition, it is showing the most key challenges and future consideration when nanostructured graphene is utilized.