Preparation and characterization of MWCNT-graft-PCA-Pt electrode fabricated by electrospray deposition method for proton exchange membrane fuel cell.

Abstract

In this paper, the development and application of a novel carbon nanotube/Polycitric acid (MWCNT-graft-PCA-Pt) nanocomposite as an efficient nanocatalyst for PEM fuel cell is reported. Covalent attachment to PCA agents is the main method for the modification of CNTs with polymers. By this method electrocatalysts with a narrow particle-size distribution and good dispersion have been produced. Carbon nanotube (CNT) film electrodes have been fabricated by a novel process involving the electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) of a CNT solution. The CNT film electrodes have shown well-entangled and interconnected porous structures with good adherence to the substrate. Cyclic voltammograms (CV) of catalysts using the spongy thin layer electrode technique were obtained for the catalysts surface at evaluation and for Methanol Oxidation reaction (MOR). CV results have demonstrated that the current density and MOR activity of the MWCNT-graft-PCA-Pt is respectively higher than of the MWCNT-Pt nanocatalyst.