Catalytic Properties of Biochar as Support Material Potential for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell: A Review

With the evolution and emergence of compounding environmental problems and issues, renewable energy promises to be a sustainable future technology. One technology considered is the fuel cell, which thrives on the primary function of electrocatalytic activities. Thus this review article envisages and presents a comprehensive summary of the applications of activated carbonaceous material as supports for electrocatalysts in fuel cells. The different techniques utilized to produce these carbon materials are discussed in detail. The overview architecture and the principle of the operation of fuel cells are also addressed. Additionally, electrocatalysts and the importance of support materials, their characteristics, and the role they play in the performance of the electrocatalyst will be reviewed. Unfortunately, the carbon-support-based electrocatalyst suffers long-term instability due to corrosion. Previously, carbon black has been used as a carbon support in various fuel cells. In recent years, there has been progress in the incorporation of nanostructured carbon supports in electrocatalysts in various fuel cells; however, there is still a great deal of distance to cover for nanostructured carbon-supported electrocatalysts in fuel cells to realize full commercialization and large-scale industrial purposes due to shortcomings in electrocatalysts, which are low-cost and highly efficient. This review therefore discusses the progress of incorporation of biochar extracted from sugar cane bagasse as carbon support in electrocatalysts for direct methanol fuel cells with the intention to provide insight into the quest of producing highly efficient and low cost fuel cells.