TiO2-nanowire/MWCNT composite with enhanced performance and durability for polymer electrolyte fuel cells

Abstract

Durability is a major issue and has been the growing focus of research for the commercialization of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). Corrosion of carbon support is a key parameter as it triggers the Pt catalyst degradation and affects cell performance, which in turn affects the longevity of the cells. Herein, we describe a hybrid composite support of TiO 2 -nanowires and Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) that offers resistance to corrosion under stressful operating conditions. Titania nanowires which have been shown to be more efficient and catalytically active than spherically shaped TiO 2 . TiO 2 -MWCNT composites are prepared through a hydrothermal method, followed by Pt deposition using a polyol method. Crystal structure, morphology, and oxidation state are examined through various characterization techniques. Electrochemical performance of TiO 2 -nanowire/MWCNT composite-supported Pt at various ratios of TiO 2 /MWCNT is assessed in PEFCs. Pt on support with optimum composition of TiO 2 -nanowires to MWCNTs exhibits fuel cell performance superior to Pt on MWCNTs. Accelerated stress testing (AST) between 1 and 1.5 V reveals that the designed catalyst on nanocomposite support possesses superior electrochemical activity and shows only 16% loss in catalytic activity in relation to 35% for Pt/MWCNTs even after 6000 potential cycles. Subsequently, the samples were characterized after AST to correlate the loss in fuel cell performance

Titanium Dioxide-Based Nanocomposites: Properties, Synthesis, and Their Application in Energy Storage

“…In addition, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are widely utilized as an excellent candidate to synthesize highly valuable TiO 2 nanocomposite owing to their high conductivity, stability, and ease of manufacturing [42,55]. Zhao et al [42] demonstrate the importance of coupling TiO 2 with multiwall CNTs for high-rate and long-life Li-ion batteries using the solvothermal process.…”