A novel catalyst layer structure based surface-patterned Nafion® membrane for high-performance direct methanol fuel cell

Chen, Ming; Wang, Meng; Zhou, Yang; Ding, Xianan; Li, Qingfeng; Wang, Xindong

doi:10.1016/j.electacta.2018.01.015

Cited by 24 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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Section: ■ Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) receiving pervasive attention as an alternative energy source for most of the portable and stationary electronics because of their system simplicity as it does not require humidifier and reformer. , The DMFCs utilize methanol as the fuel whose volumetric energy density nearly double of pure hydrogen leads to the high theoretical system efficiency compared to that of proton exchange membrane fuel cell fueled with hydrogen. − Besides the advantages, there are many key problems that need to be addressed to harvest useful energy from a DMFC which includes electrode kinetics and methanol crossover. Methanol crossover from anode to cathode through polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) results in undesirable mixed potential at the cathode resulted in low fuel utilization and cathode catalyst poisoning, affecting overall DMFC performance. − Though the extensive research studies have been focused to address methanol crossover issue by developing new PEM materials or modifying the existing PEM, the DMFC performance is still inferior for commercial use.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheets—Nafion as a Methanol Barrier Hybrid Membrane for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Parthiban

Sahu

2018

J. Phys. Chem. C

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Sulfonated graphitic carbon nitride (s-GCN) is first realized as an effective bifunctional filler in modifying the Nafion membrane for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) application. Carbon nitride with amino (−NH2) and imino (−NH) functional groups was successfully synthesized through one-step calcination of melamine (C3H6N6) and thereafter surface functionalized to incorporate sulfonic acid (−SO3H) groups. The proton transfer in the Nafion–s-GCN hybrid membrane is enhanced by the presence of sulfonic acid groups in the filler and also by acid–base interaction between −NH2 groups present on the GCN with −SO3H groups of hybrid membrane. The Nafion–s-GCN hybrid membrane with an optimized filler content exhibits a proton conductivity of 183 mS cm–1, which is about 36% higher in relation to the pristine Nafion membrane. In addition, porous nature of GCN nanosheets in the hybrid membrane enhances movement of hydronium ions while acting as a barrier for methanol molecule. As a result, the Nafion–s-GCN hybrid membranes displayed much lower methanol crossover current density than that of the pristine Nafion membrane. The DMFC comprising Nafion–s-GCN (0.5 wt %) hybrid membrane delivers a peak power density of 125 mW cm–2 at 70 °C under ambient pressure, while a peak power density of 65 mW cm–2 is realized for pristine Nafion membrane under similar operating conditions.

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Section: ■ Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheets—Nafion as a Methanol Barrier Hybrid Membrane for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Parthiban

Sahu

2018

J. Phys. Chem. C

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“…In addition to ordered arrays of organic (3M NSTF) or carbonaceous (VACNT) supports for loading Pt nanoparticles in the CCLs, the support-based 3D structure design also includes TiO 2 -based metallic oxide arrays. , In addition, Pt-based nanostructures without supports have been shown to be highly robust and efficient ORR catalyst layers, such as the vertically aligned open-walled PtCo bimetallic nanotube arrays reported by Shao et al or ordered Pt nanotube arrays reported by Deng et al However, the problems for the development of support-free Pt 3D nanostructures lie in the relatively low ECSA of Pt and the complexity of the synthesis processes, including template addition/removal. Ordered 3D structure construction can also facilitate the mass transport abilities of components other than the catalyst layer in the MEA, such as the proton-exchange membrane (PEM) − or GDL. , …”

Section: Game Changers: Improved Transport Pathways Engineered By Nov...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding and Engineering of Multiphase Transport Processes in Membrane Electrode Assembly of Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells with a Focus on the Cathode Catalyst Layer: A Review

Deng

Zhang

et al. 2020

Energy Fuels

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The development of proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology will give rise to a great evolution toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly life by powering clean electric vehicles or stations. However, several vital problems still hinder the commercialization of PEMFCs. The foremost issue is the high cost compared to the contenders, deriving from both the high consumption of Pt catalysts and low service life under practical operations. In this review, deeper investigations on how to further lower the cost of PEMFCs show the importance of understanding and engineering the multiphase transport processes in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The definitions, rules, numerical simulations, and experimental validations of various mass transfer processes across the MEA are introduced to provide a holistic evaluation and enable optimization to improve the cell performance and reliability. In addition, because the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction in the cathode catalyst layer (CCL) requires most of the Pt catalysts, the oxygen/water-related multiphase transfer in CCLs is taken as a focus for detailed analysis. Several successful strategies, such as triple-phase boundary engineering, graded design, and novel ordered three-dimensional structure construction, are proven to be promising in greatly reducing the Pt consumption in the CCL and facilitating the microscopic multiphase transfer processes of the MEA. With optimized engineering of the electrode structure and configuration inside the MEA, the mass transfer resistances can be minimized to give the best operating conditions for electrochemical reactions to occur in the catalyst layers. Finally, the main challenges and some perspectives for developing advanced MEAs with lower cost in high-performance and reliable PEMFCs are provided.

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“…Apart from RED, highly selective and conductive membranes are required in other electrochemical energy systems, such as fuel cells [71][72][73][74], water electrolyzers [75][76][77], alkaline batteries [78,79], and flow batteries [80,81]. Design strategies and base materials envisaged for the monovalent selective membranes in the present work can be systematically incorporated for applications in these technologies.…”

Section: Other Prospects Of Selective Ion Exchange Membranesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Design of Monovalent Ion Selective Membranes for Reducing the Impacts of Multivalent Ions in Reverse Electrodialysis

et al. 2019

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Reverse electrodialysis (RED) represents one of the most promising membrane-based technologies for clean and renewable energy production from mixing water solutions. However, the presence of multivalent ions in natural water drastically reduces system performance, in particular, the open-circuit voltage (OCV) and the output power. This effect is largely described by the “uphill transport” phenomenon, in which multivalent ions are transported against the concentration gradient. In this work, recent advances in the investigation of the impact of multivalent ions on power generation by RED are systematically reviewed along with possible strategies to overcome this challenge. In particular, the use of monovalent ion-selective membranes represents a promising alternative to reduce the negative impact of multivalent ions given the availability of low-cost materials and an easy route of membrane synthesis. A thorough assessment of the materials and methodologies used to prepare monovalent selective ion exchange membranes (both cation and anion exchange membranes) for applications in (reverse) electrodialysis is performed. Moreover, transport mechanisms under conditions of extreme salinity gradient are analyzed and compared for a better understanding of the design criteria. The ultimate goal of the present work is to propose a prospective research direction on the development of new membrane materials for effective implementation of RED under natural feed conditions.

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A novel catalyst layer structure based surface-patterned Nafion® membrane for high-performance direct methanol fuel cell

Cited by 24 publications

References 36 publications

Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheets—Nafion as a Methanol Barrier Hybrid Membrane for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheets—Nafion as a Methanol Barrier Hybrid Membrane for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Understanding and Engineering of Multiphase Transport Processes in Membrane Electrode Assembly of Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells with a Focus on the Cathode Catalyst Layer: A Review

Design of Monovalent Ion Selective Membranes for Reducing the Impacts of Multivalent Ions in Reverse Electrodialysis

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