Synthesis And Characterization Of Novel Carbon Nanostructures Supported Catalysts And Their Effects On Methanol And Ethanol Electro Oxidation

Alternative energy conversion systems are receiving great attention due to the depletion of fossil fuels and increasing environmental pollution. Due to excellent features such as high energy density, low operating temperature, and high energy conversion efficiency, direct methanol (DMFC) and ethanol fuel cells (DEFC) are promising power sources to address future energy problems. However, their performance is limited by low electrocatalytic activity of anodes for methanol and ethanol oxidations, and the high cost of noble metal platinum (Pt) based catalysts. One approach to enhance catalytic activity and to reduce the cost is to explore novel carbon materials as catalyst supports. In this work, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and graphene-supported Pt and Pt-Ru catalysts were synthesized by an ethylene glycol (EG) reduction method. Comparative electrochemical measurements of different carbon structure-supported catalysts were conducted using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry techniques. Experimental results show that SWCNT-supported Pt and Pt-Ru catalysts have a higher catalytic activity and lower charge transfer resistance towards methanol and ethanol oxidation in comparison to MWCNT-supported catalysts. The electrocatalytic activities of graphene-supported catalysts were compared with commercial Vulcan XC-72 carbon black-supported catalysts and graphite supported catalysts. Experimental results suggest that graphene-supported Pt and Pt-Ru nanoparticles possess superior electrocatalytic activity than carbon black and graphite supports.

This book presents a state-of-the-art review on recent advances in nanocatalysts and electrocatalysis in DOFCs.

Nanomaterials for Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells explains nanomaterials and nanocomposites as well as the characterization, manufacturing, and design of alcohol fuel cell applications. The advantages of direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) are significant for reliable and long-lasting portable power sources used in devices such as mobile phones and computers. Even though substantial improvements have been made in DAFC systems over the last decade, more effort is needed to commercialize DAFCs by producing durable, low-cost, and smaller-sized devices. Nanomaterials have an important role to play in achieving this aim. The use of nanotechnology in DAFCs is vital due to their role in the synthesis of nanocatalysts within the manufacturing process. Lately, nanocatalysts containing carbon such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and carbon nanocoils have also attracted much attention. When compared to traditional materials, carbon-based materials have unique advantages, such as high corrosion resistance, better electrical conductivity, and less catalyst poisoning. This book also covers different aspects of nanocomposites fabrication, including their preparation, design, and characterization techniques for their fuel cell applications. This book is an important reference source for materials scientists, engineers, energy scientists, and electrochemists who are seeking to improve their understanding of how nanomaterials are being used to enhance the efficiency and lower the cost of DAFCs. Shows how nanomaterials are being used for the design and manufacture of DAFCs Explores how nanotechnology is being used to enhance the synthesis and catalysis processes to create the next generation of fuel cells Assesses the major challenges of producing nanomaterial-based DAFCs on an industrial scale

Global experts provide an authoritative source of information on the use of electrochemical fuel cells, and in particular discuss the use of nanomaterials to enhance the performance of existing energy systems. The book covers the state of the art in the design, preparation, and engineering of nanoscale functional materials as effective catalysts for fuel cell chemistry, highlights recent progress in electrocatalysis at both fuel cell anode and cathode, and details perspectives and challenges in future research.

This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "Electrocatalysis in Fuel Cells" that was published in Catalysts

This book is mainly based on the first and second symposia on Nanotechnology in Catalysis held in 2001 and 2002, but it also includes several contributions not presented in the symposia to round out the scope of the subject. The contents are the most up to date developments made by researchers all over the world in the catalysis field in this fascinating nanotechnology era. It reflects some of the frontier areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology in fabricating and characterizing catalysts and carrying out studies to prove their superior selectivity and activity. The field of application of nanotechnology for the development of catalysts for green chemistry is likely to grow rapidly during the next decade. This book hopes to contribute to the evolution of nanotechnology in that direction.

Meeting the need for a text on solutions to conditions which have so far been a drawback for this important and trend-setting technology, this monograph places special emphasis on novel, alternative catalysts of low temperature fuel cells. Comprehensive in its coverage, the text discusses not only the electrochemical, mechanistic, and material scientific background, but also provides extensive chapters on the design and fabrication of electrocatalysts. A valuable resource aimed at multidisciplinary audiences in the fields of academia and industry.

This book provides an overview of the fundamentals and recent advances in the field of carbon composite catalysts, including graphene, carbon nanotubes, mesoporous carbons, graphitic carbon nitrides, and related composites. Special focus is placed on their controllable preparation and applications in the gas phase, liquid phase, electrochemical, and photocatalytic reactions, as well as defect and surface chemistry-related catalytic activities of carbon materials. Some perspectives are highlighted on the development of more efficient carbonaceous catalysts featuring high stability, low cost, optimized structures, and enhanced performance, which are the key factors to accelerate the designed preparation and commercialization of carbon composite catalysts. The book will also present the latest studies of carbon-based composite catalysts for clean energy change and storage, nature protection, and essential industrial production and storage and include the key challenges and future opportunities in this exciting field.