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Influence of the Electrode Deposition Method of Graphene-Based Catalyst Inks for ADEFC on Performance
Michaela Roschger1, Sigrid Wolf1, Richard Hasso1
1Institute of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, Graz University of Technology, Inffeldgasse 25/C, 8010 Graz, Austria.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|August 17, 2023
Summary
Optimizing electrode preparation for nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) catalysts significantly boosts alkaline direct ethanol fuel cell (ADEFC) performance. This research explores deposition methods to improve catalyst layer morphology and graphene orientation for enhanced fuel cell efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Conversion
Background:
- Graphene's potential as a catalyst support in fuel cells is recognized, but challenges remain in electrode fabrication and preventing graphene sheet restacking.
- These issues critically affect fuel cell performance and catalyst development, necessitating optimized electrode preparation technologies.
- Alkaline direct ethanol fuel cells (ADEFCs) offer a promising alternative energy conversion pathway.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how different electrode deposition methods for nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) catalyst inks influence catalyst layer morphology.
- To specifically examine the effect of graphene sheet orientation on the performance of ADEFCs.
- To evaluate the dispersion, stability, morphology, and electrochemical behavior of N-rGO-based catalysts and electrodes.
Main Methods:
- Catalyst ink properties (dispersion, stability) were analyzed using UV-vis spectroscopy, ζ potential, and dynamic light scattering.
- Gas diffusion electrode (GDE) morphology and properties were characterized via Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, contact angle measurements, and SEM-EDS.
- Electrochemical performance was assessed using ex-situ half-cell GDE measurements and in-situ single-cell tests.
Main Results:
- Optimized electrode deposition methods led to improved catalyst layer morphology and controlled graphene sheet orientation.
- The N-rGO-based membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with platinum-free catalysts demonstrated high maximum power density.
- The developed MEA exhibited excellent long-term durability in ADEFC operation.
Conclusions:
- Electrode preparation technology is crucial for maximizing the performance benefits of graphene-based catalysts in fuel cells.
- The N-rGO-based MEA shows significant potential for high-performance ADEFC applications.
- This study highlights a promising direction for developing advanced, efficient, and durable fuel cell technologies.
