Carbon nanotubes as catalyst support in a glucose microfluidic fuel cell in basic media

Au/MWCNTs catalysts were synthesised by chemical reduction and tested as anode electrodes in a glucose microfluidic fuel cell as a function of time at different temperatures. Physicochemical characterisation of Au/MWCNTs showed an average particle size of approximately 4 nm with high dispersion among the MWCNTs support. The use of MWNTCs as support provides chemical stability and good performance for microfluidic fuel cells. The maximum power density reached with Au/MWCNTs was 0.28 mW cm−2. Chronoamperometric testing (4 h) at three operating temperatures (15, 25 and 35 °C) demonstrated that the use of Au/MWCNTs as anode electrodes showed better stability compared with that of Au/C.

► Au/MWCNTs were tested as anode electrodes in a glucose microfluidic fuel cell.
► The operating temperatures (15, 25 and 35 °C) were evaluated as a function of time.
► Au/MWCNTs showed an average particle size of 4 nm with high dispersion on support.
► The use of MWNTCs as catalysts support showed better stability compared with Vulcan.