Doped Graphene as Non-Metallic Catalyst for Fuel Cells

Abstract

Aiming a commercial development of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), a low cost, sustainable and high performance electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with capability to replace/reduce rare metals, are high desirable. In this paper, we present a class of doped graphene, namely iodinated graphene with highly ORR electrochemical performances, synthesized by using the electrophilic substitution method. The prepared samples were characterized by different techniques, including Scanning Electron Microscopy SEM, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy XPS, Raman spectroscopy, surface area measurement by BET method, that revealed the structure and morphology. The most highly iodinated graphene was tested in a single cell by measuring the cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical performances were evaluated and compared with a typical PEMFC configuration, when a single cathodic peak at 0.2 V with a current density of-3.67 mA cm-2 for the Pt/C electrode was obtained. The best electrochemical performances in terms of electrochemical active area, was obtained for a new concept of cathode composed from Pt/Ciodine doped graphene, when a well-defined peak centred at 0.23 V with a current density of approx.-9.1 mA cm-2 was obtained, indicating a high catalytic activity for ORR.

Noble Metal Dispersed on Reduced Graphene Oxide and Its Application in PEM Fuel Cells

“…Textural properties of Pt/rGO and Au/rGO. system based on doped graphene can be easily anticipated, taking into account our recent results [11]. This improvement in performance was explained on the basis of higher electrical conductivity and durability parameters, essential for the PEMFC commercialization.…”

“…H 2 SO 4 , KMnO 4 , HI were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich, H 2 O 2 and HCl were obtained from Oltchim SA Romania. The electrocatalysts were synthesized via a facile process ( Figure 1) described in detail elsewhere [11,12]. Graphite oxide was prepared by the oxidation of graphite powder using P 2 O 5 , H 2 SO 4 , and KMnO 4 according to the Hummers' method, namely the graphitic powder was mixed with an oxidizing agent, filtered, washed and dried.…”

“…For this purpose, the in-situ electrochemical evaluation was performed in a single fuel cell system PEMFC with active area of 25 cm 2 (ElectroChem, USA). A detailed description of the electrodes and membrane electrode assembly fabrication procedure was reported in our previous studies [11][12][13]. For actual study, the Pt loading was established at 0.…”

Synthesis of Iodine‐Functionalized Graphene Electrocatalyst Using Deep Eutectic Solvents for Oxygen Reduction Reaction and Supercapacitors

“…The material has been prepared using AlI 3 catalyst. [ 30 ] Jeon et al reported high‐quality iodine‐doped graphene nanoplatelets by ball milling for 48 h and further freeze drying for 48 h. [ 31 ] Yao et al prepared iodine‐doped graphene‐900 via the facile thermal annealing (at 500–1100 °C) process, which showed decent electrochemical properties. [ 21 ] Luo et al developed nitrogen‐doped graphitic carbon using DES.…”

Iodine Doped Graphene for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction Reaction in PEM Fuel Cell Applications

“…However, metal-based electrocatalysts often suffer from some drawbacks, particularly low acidity in the acid medium specific for PEMFC environment. Doping with non-metallic heteroatom is one of the most studied nanocatalysts for the ORR reaction in PEMFC because ized bonds to promote the transfer of the burden due to its large atomic size (the largest in the halogen group) [31][32][33][34][35]. In addition, it is known that the sides of the halogenated graphite have sufficient possibilities to attract O 2 and to weaken the O─O bond from the adsorbed oxygen, thus facilitating efficient conversion into water after reduction and protonation.…”