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Graphene as Thinnest Coating on Copper Electrodes in Microbial Methanol Fuel Cells
Jamil Islam1,2, Parthiba Karthikeyan Obulisamy1,2, Venkata K K Upadhyayula3
1Department Civil and Environmental Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, South Dakota 57701, United States.
ACS Nano
|December 19, 2022
Summary
Graphene layers enhance microbial methanol dehydrogenation for direct current generation. This catalyst-free approach on copper electrodes boosts power and current density, improving fuel cell sustainability.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Microbiology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Direct current (DC) generation from methanol dehydrogenation in fuel cells faces challenges including high platinum/palladium catalyst costs, slow reaction rates, carbon monoxide formation, and high temperature requirements.
- Developing sustainable and cost-effective energy conversion technologies is crucial for advancing fuel cell applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of graphene layers (GL) on copper (Cu) surfaces for enhanced microbial methanol dehydrogenation.
- To assess the impact of GL on the performance of fuel cells utilizing *Rhodobacter sphaeroides* for methanol conversion.
Main Methods:
- Electrochemical methods, microscopy, and spectroscopy were employed to analyze methanol dehydrogenation by *Rhodobacter sphaeroides* on GL-Cu surfaces.
- Comparative analysis of GL-Cu electrodes versus bare Cu electrodes was performed.
Main Results:
- Graphene layers on copper (GL-Cu) demonstrated a 5-fold increase in power density and a 4-fold increase in current density compared to bare copper.
- GL significantly reduced charge transfer resistance by 4 orders of magnitude, mitigating pitting corrosion of the underlying copper.
- Microbial methanol dehydrogenation was effectively facilitated by the GL-Cu interface.
Conclusions:
- Graphene layers provide a promising platform for catalyst-free microbial methanol dehydrogenation, enhancing DC electricity generation.
- This approach offers a sustainable and efficient alternative for fuel cell technologies by overcoming limitations of traditional catalysts and improving electrode performance.
