Graphene based Electrocatalysts for DMFCs

Abstract

Abstract---Fuel cell is a device that generates electricity by a chemical reaction. Recently carbon black was commonly used as a support for fuel cells but their properties were not satisfactory for the better electrocatalytic activity and stability. In the recent years graphene is introduced as a carbon support that can replace the carbon black because it provides better resistance towards corrosion, high surface area, high mechanical strength, high conductivity and potential low manufacturing cost. Commonly platinum based electrode materials were used in DMFCs, but high cost of platinum limited the commercialization of DMFCs. In this paper graphene supported Pt-based materials and graphene supported non-Pt metals are compared. Electrocatalytic activity of the electro-catalysts was compared through the comparison of I F /I R ratio and charge transfer resistance (R ct ) obtained from the cyclic voltammetry.