Recent Advances in Anode Metallic Catalysts Supported on Conducting Polymer-Based Materials for Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells

Abstract

Sustainable energy development is a major challenge, particularly when considering population increase, rising energy demands resulting from the excessive use of nonrenewable fossil fuels, and growing consequences on global pollution and climate change. It is critical to continue to develop new sources of renewable and clean energy. Direct alcohol fuel cell (DAFC) represents a technological approach that meets all the requirements in terms of energy conversion with good electrical efficiency and lower emissions of pollutants. However, it largely suffers from the poisoning of the anode catalyst caused by the accumulation of intermediate products. In this context, this review is devoted to discussing the recent progress in anode catalysts based on conducting polymers (CPs) materials for direct alcohol fuel cells, especially direct methanol and ethanol fuel cells, from the viewpoint of synthesis techniques, morphology, and catalytic performance. In the first part of this review, we will explore the most commonly used methods for preparing metal-conducting polymer-based nanocomposites, including the key factors influencing their morphology regardless of the application. The catalytic performances of mono-, bi-, and tri-metal catalysts deposited on conducting polymer-based supports for the electrooxidation of methanol and ethanol reactions are examined in detail in the second and third parts of this review. We also highlight the effect of the introduction of carbon nanomaterials into conducting polymer supports on the electrical properties and on the performance of the catalysts. Development of anode materials using nanostructured conducting polymers-based support plays a vital role in reducing catalyst loadings and should therefore shed light on the wide-scale commercialization of DAFCs. In a nutshell, this review will give readers a thorough understanding of the principles of direct alcohol fuel cells, new advancements in electrode materials based on non-precious metals, and the main challenges that should be dealt with.

New and Ultra‐Rapid Approach for Electrosynthesis of Highly Efficient Catalysts of Poly(para‐phenylenediamine) Supported Copper Oxide for Ethanol Oxidation in Alkaline Medium

“…These results confirm that the presence of polymer support facilities the oxidation of ethanol at the electrode surface due to the good dispersion of copper particles on the electrode surface as mentioned at our previous works. [14,26,65] It should be noted that a shift on the potential value at this electrode is observed (decrease with a value of 200 mV for anodic potential compared to Cu(OH) 2 À Cu 2 O@PpPD at E cste).…”

“…Furthermore, the thickness of the film can be controlled by adjusting the experimental parameters. [12][13][14] Recently, Direct ethanol fuel have been considered a promising way to produce green energy while respecting the environment. [15,16] In order to increase the effectiveness of direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs), current research efforts aim to avoid the poisoning of the surface of electrocatalysts, minimize the use of Pt-based catalysts by replacing them with non-noble metals, and enhance the energy efficiency of the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR).…”

Facile Synthesis of Nitrogen Doped Porous Carbon Supported Platinum Catalyst and Improvement of Electrocatalytic Ethanol Performance

“…The Pt possessed excellent catalytic performance to ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) because of its unique structure. However, the application of Pt catalysts is limited for their low reserves, high price and toxicity susceptibility in the catalytic process [3,4] . Thus, how to decrease the content of Pt in the materials and improve the electrocatalytic property have become the key to solving the above problems.…”

Ethanol Electro-Oxidation on Catalysts with S-ZrO2-Decorated Graphene as Support in Fuel Cell Applications

“…Direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) are energy conversion devices that directly change the chemical energy of alcohol into electricity via electrocatalytic reactions [1]. Recently, DAFCs have been considered an alternative to standard internal combustion engines for their prospective usage in compact electronic systems and transportation [2][3][4][5][6][7].…”