Current Progress of Carbon Nanotubes Applied to Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: A Comprehensive Review

• Published in: International journal of precision engineering and manufacturing-green technology Vol. 11; no. 2; pp. 659 - 684
• Main Authors: Kwon, Obeen, Park, Junghyun, Park, Gyutae, Yang, Seonghyeon, Park, Taehyun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Seoul Korean Society for Precision Engineering 01.03.2024; Springer Nature B.V; 한국정밀공학회
• Subjects: Ablation; Arc deposition; Arc discharges; Carbon; Carbon nanotubes; Catalysts; Chemical properties; Chemical vapor deposition; Diffusion layers; Durability; Electric arcs; Electrochemical analysis; Electrochemistry; Electrolytes; Electrolytic cells; Electrons; Energy; Energy conversion; Energy Efficiency; Engineering; Fuel cells; Fuel technology; Gaseous diffusion; Graphene; Heat; Hydrogen; Industrial and Production Engineering; Laser ablation; Lasers; Mass production; Nanotechnology; Nanotubes; Oxidation; Oxygen; Polymers; Proton exchange membrane fuel cells; Review; Reviews; Sustainable Development; Synthesis; 기계공학; Carbon nanotubes; Nanocomposite; Synthesis; Fuel cells; Oxygen reduction reaction
• ISSN: 2288-6206; 2198-0810
• DOI: 10.1007/s40684-023-00550-3

Fuel cells are promising electrochemical energy conversion devices with eco-friendliness and sustainability, while challenges have remained depending on their components. Meanwhile, researchers have paid significant attention to carbon nanotubes (CNTs) due to their excellent mechanical, thermal, electrical, morphological, and chemical properties. To meet this demand, suitable synthesis methods for CNTs have been naturally developed for large-scale production and proper application for devices. Also, numerous research efforts have been made to apply CNTs to ultimately improve fuel cell performance and durability. This review summarizes the brilliant strategies of CNTs that have been applied to pivotal components in fuel cells, such as catalysts, polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs), gas diffusion layers (GDLs), and bipolar plates (BPs). Plus, this review provides a summary of methods that have been introduced for the synthesis and mass production of CNTs, like arc discharge, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and laser ablation. Based on these proposed approaches in the literature, laid issues that need to be overcome for each component and what remarkable contribution occurred due to the application of CNTs in fuel cells are examined and discussed. In consequence, the application of CNTs in fuel cells still holds great potential for outstanding improvements in electrochemical performance and durability.