Activated carbon from Water Hyacinth as electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in an alkaline fuel cell. (26th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morales S, L.; Baas-López, J.M.; Barbosa, Romeli; Pacheco, D.; Escobar, B.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 46:Number 51(2021)
• Page Start: 25995
• Page End: 26004
• Publication Date: 2021-07-26
• Subjects: KOH activation -- Biomass -- Energy -- Electrocatalysts -- Carbon-doped -- Fuel cell; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.04.094
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Water Hyacinth is an invasive aquatic plant with an excellent carbon source with heteroatoms. Activated carbon is a viable choice as an electrocatalyst for fuel cell applications. Based on the plant's leaves, stem, and root, we got activated carbons using KOH at 730 °C with N2 . The samples, named WH_LA730, WH _SA730, and WH_RA730, were examined as electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in 0.5 M KOH. The high surface area and nitrogen content in the activated carbon provided a good electrochemical activity. The potential reaction for WH_SA730 was at 0.9 V and 0.85 V for WH_RA730. Both samples showed a promising activated carbon for the alkaline fuel cell compared to WH_LA730. Highlights: Carbon materials were prepared by biomass from "Water Hyacinth.". WH_SA730, WH_RA730, and WH_LA730 were evaluated for ORR in an alkaline medium. The activity toward ORR was favored by high surface area and nitrogen content.