The synergy between multi-wall carbon nanotubes and Vulcan XC72R in microporous layers

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 35; no. 17; pp. 9241 - 9251
• Main Authors: Gharibi, Hussein, Javaheri, Masoumeh, Mirzaie, Rasol Abdullah
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2010; Elsevier
• Subjects: Alternative fuels. Production and utilization; Applied sciences; Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; Electrodes; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Fuels; Gas-diffusion electrode (GDE); Hydrogen; Microporous layer (MPL); Multi wall carbon nanotubes; Multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT); Optimization; Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR); Platinum; Polytetrafluoroethylenes; Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC); Scanning electron microscopy; Synergism; Voltammetry; Microporous layer (MPL); Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC); Multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT); Gas-diffusion electrode (GDE); Synergism; Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR); Scanning electron microscopy; Gaseous diffusion; Hydrogen; Tetrafluoroethylene polymer; Carbon nanotubes; Gas permeability; Platinum; Chronoamperometry; Performance; Proton exchange membrane fuel cells; Catalyst; Fuel cell; Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2009.08.092

In this study, the effects of the addition of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into a microporous layer (MPL) containing Vulcan XC72R on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) were studied. We tested various percentages of MWCNTs and Vulcan XC72R in the MPLs of gas-diffusion electrodes (GDEs) with various Pt loadings in the catalyst layer. The performance of the ORR in the electrodes was studied with linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and chronoamperometry. The structures of the MPLs were investigated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mercury porosimetry (MP), and gas permeability. In addition, the optimum polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) content of the MPL was determined. Our results indicate that the performances of the GDEs are optimal under the following conditions: (a) 60 wt% MWCNTs and 40 wt% Vulcan XC72R with a Pt loading of 0.115 mg/cm 2; (b) 80 wt% MWCNTs and 20 wt% Vulcan XC72R with a Pt loading of 0.5 mg/cm 2; and (c) 40 wt% MWCNTs and 60 wt% Vulcan XC72R with a Pt loading of 1 mg/cm 2.