Catalytical activity of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Vulcan XC-72(VCB) carbon supported Ni catalysts for direct methanol fuel cells

Abstract

Ni catalysts for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) based on carbon nanotube and Vulcan XC-72 carbon black (VCB) were prepared and their catalytical activity was investigated for DMFCs. The deposition was used to prepare Ni/CNTs and Ni/VCB composites. The morphology of the nanocomposites was tested by XRD and TEM analyses. The XRD pattern clearly showed that the peaks of the Ni catalysts appeared separately for each catalyst, and the TEM analysis confirmed that the particle sizes of Ni were between 2 nm to 4 nm. The electrochemical analyses were carried out by cyclic voltammetry (CV) to find the catalytic activities of these two types of carbon-supported Ni catalysts.

A nanostructured bifunctional Pd/C gas-diffusion electrode for metal-air batteries

“…The C (002) graphite carbon reflection occurs at approximately 25 . The shape and intensity of this peak indicates that the carbon material presents a partially graphitic structure [32].…”

“…During the test, the electrolyte solution around the Pt/C electrode gradually turned brown, whereas for the Pd/C electrode it turned only slightly yellow: this suggests a deeper degree of carbon corrosion at the Pt/C electrode. The fine nickel mesh (32 mesh hole size) may have a protective role in holding the electrode together and delaying loss of carbon into the solution, as well as contributing to the OER reaction: the presence of nickel was known to stabilise the OER reaction in previous work carried out on a bifunctional air electrode [32]. Ultimately, to be useable in a rechargeable metal-air battery, an air electrode must have a lifetime of at least 1,000 cycles, preferably more.…”

Synthesis and characterization of LiFePO4/3-dimensional carbon nanostructure composites as possible cathode materials for Li-ion batteries

“…It is well known that high surface area and well-developed porosity are essential characteristics for a catalyst support that will result in high catalytic activity. Among them, carbon black, called Vulcan XC-72 (hereafter VCB; a registered trade name from CABOT, Inc.), has been commonly used as carbon support for electrode catalysts in direct methanol fuel cells [13]. Actually, carbonsupported catalysts are a promising technology that can reduce the costs and increase the lifetime of fuel cells and Li-ion batteries.…”