Synergistic Strengthening in Graphene Oxide and Oxidized Single‐walled Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Material for use as Electrolytes in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Abstract

Herein, we report an efficient proton exchange membrane formed from a synergistic combination of graphene oxide (GO) and oxidized single-walled carbon nanotube (CNTOX) by the freeze-drying route that gives rise to enhanced fuel cell power density. At 25 °C and 100% relative humidity (RH), the 3DGO-CNTOX hybrid shows remarkably high out-of-plane and in-plane proton conductivities of 6.64 × 10 À 2 and 5.08 S cm À 1 , respectively. Additionally, the measured performance using prepared films as proton conduction membranes in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) exhibited a peak power density of 117.21 mW cm À 2 . The high performance of these films can be ascribed to the freeze-dried-driven structural morphology of 3DGO-CNTOX that facilitates higher water retention capacity as well as the synergistic strengthening effect between GO and CNTOX with a highly interconnected proton conduction network. The current results imply that the new 3DGO-CNTOX hybrid material has potential for wide application as a proton exchange membrane.[a] M.

Enhanced OH− conductivity from 3D alkaline graphene oxide electrolytes for anion exchange membrane fuel cells

“…Moreover, the broad intercalation chemistry and facile functionalization of GO contribute to improved conducting properties. [16][17][18][19][20][21][22] To fine-tune GO's chemical properties, the aqueous dispersion's pH can be controlled under ambient conditions, allowing for versatile applications. Under alkaline conditions, reversible epoxy-hydroxyl conversions occur in the epoxy groups of GO, accompanied by changes in the electronic states of the GO sheets.…”

Thermally stable proton conductivity from nanodiamond oxide

“…[1][2][3] As a possible alternative, during past years, a number of carbon-based proton conductors, including graphene oxide (GO) based proton conductors, with low material cost and efficient proton conductivity have been introduced. [4][5][6] Even though a considerable proton conductivity can be maintained in GO-based materials, nevertheless, the decomposition of functional groups at elevated temperatures is still a barrier for GO based proton conductors in high-temperature applications or repeated activity in their application. 7 Focusing on thermally stable proton conductors, we consider the surface-modified nanodiamond (ND) materials showing thermally stable proton conductivity.…”

“…In past years, many studies have documented GO as a possible alternative to Nafion. 5,6,17,18 The unique surface chemistry of graphene oxide, specifically the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups, allows for proton conductivity. 2 However, at the elevated temperature of over 100 1C the epoxy group of GO decomposes, and the proton conductivity decreases drastically, limiting its practical applications.…”