1D-2D integrated hybrid carbon nanostructure supported bimetallic alloy catalyst for ethanol oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions. (22nd February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chandran, Priji; Puthusseri, Divya; Ramaprabhu, Sundara
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 44:Number 10(2019)
• Page Start: 4951
• Page End: 4961
• Publication Date: 2019-02-22
• Subjects: DEFC -- PEMFC -- Ethanol oxidation reaction -- Oxygen reduction reaction -- Partially exfoliated carbon nanotubes; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2018.12.209
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Herein, 1-D carbon nanotubes and 2-D graphene hybrid carbon hetero-structure is employed as the catalyst support material for low temperature fuel cell. Partial unraveling of carbon nanotubes results in 1D-2D hybrid hetero-structure with enhanced surface area, while the intact inner tubes result in good electrical conductivity. Platinum-tin alloy decorated on partially exfoliated carbon nanotubes (Pt–Sn/PCNT) were prepared by ethylene glycol reduction method and investigated its electrocatalytic activity towards ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) for direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) for hydrogen fuelled polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Along with the intrinsic properties of carbon nanotubes, PCNT provides more anchoring sites, thereby facilitates complete utilization of catalysts. The electrochemical EOR studies reveal that Pt–Sn/PCNT has better tolerance to the accumulation of intermediate species than Pt–Sn/CNT. Besides, as-synthesized electrocatalysts exhibit good ORR activity with four-electron pathway. The enhanced EOR and ORR activity of as prepared electrocatalysts is attributed to the high dispersion of catalyst nanoparticles on PCNT along with the inhibition of production of intermediate species on the Pt surface by alloying. Further, the practical suitability of PCNT supported Pt–Sn nanocatalysts as EOR and ORR electrocatalysts has been examined by performing the full fuel cell measurements. Highlights: A hybrid carbon hetero-structure as catalyst support material for DEFC and PEMFC. Partially unzipped carbon nanotubes exhibits enhanced surface area with good electrical conductivity. Enhanced electrochemical surface area of Pt–Sn/PCNT signifies higher catalyst utilization efficiency. PCNT supported Pt–Sn alloy catalyst exhibits good activity towards EOR and ORR reaction.