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Carbon nanotubes as electronic interconnects in solid acid fuel cell electrodes
Áron Varga1, Moritz Pfohl, Nicholas A Brunelli
1Materials Science, California Institute of Technology, USA. smhaile@caltech.edu.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|August 15, 2013
Summary
Carbon nanotubes enhance solid acid fuel cell performance by improving electrical conductivity between catalyst particles and current collectors. This novel approach significantly reduces electrode impedance for better energy conversion.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Solid acid fuel cells (SAFCs) require efficient charge transport between nanoscale catalysts and macroscale current collectors.
- Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) offer high conductivity and surface area, making them promising for enhancing electrode performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of CNTs as interconnects in SAFCs to improve electrode conductivity.
- To evaluate the impact of CNTs on the overall electrode impedance and performance of SAFCs.
Main Methods:
- CNTs were synthesized on carbon paper via chemical vapor deposition using nickel nanoparticle catalysts.
- Composite electrodes (CsH2PO4, Pt nanoparticles, Pt/C nanoparticles) were fabricated using electrospraying onto CNT-grown substrates.
- Scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy were used for material characterization.
- AC impedance spectroscopy in a symmetric cell configuration assessed electrode impedance.
Main Results:
- Successful growth of CNTs on carbon paper substrates was confirmed.
- A highly porous, fractal electrode structure was formed with CNT integration.
- A significant reduction in electrode impedance was observed in CNT-modified electrodes compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- CNTs effectively improve the electrical linkage within SAFC electrodes.
- The integration of CNTs leads to a substantial decrease in electrode impedance.
- This CNT-based approach shows potential for advancing SAFC technology.
