Graphene as a new carbon support for low-temperature fuel cell catalysts

Highly dispersed catalysts on a conductive support, commonly platinum and platinum-based catalysts, are used as electrode materials in low-temperature fuel cells. Carbon blacks are commonly used as fuel cell catalysts supports, but their properties are not completely satisfactory. Thus, in the last years carbon black alternative materials such as nanostructured carbons, ceramic and polymer materials have been proposed as fuel cell catalyst supports. Very recently, in consideration of their high surface area, high conductivity, unique graphitized basal plane structure and potential low manufacturing cost, graphene nanosheets have been investigated as a support for low-temperature fuel cell catalysts. This paper presents an overview of graphene nanosheets used as supports for fuel cell catalysts. In particular, the catalytic activity and durability of catalysts supported on graphene are compared with those of catalysts supported on the commonly used carbon blacks and on carbon nanotubes, that is, on rolled graphene.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights▸ Using graphene sheets as a support very low metal particle size can be obtained. ▸ The activity for methanol oxidation of Me/GNS is higher that that of Me/C and Me/CNT. ▸ Me/GNS catalysts have a similar activity for oxygen reduction than Me/C. ▸ Me/GNS catalysts show high durability in fuel cell operation conditions. ▸ Catalysts supported on composite GNS–CNT better perform than on single GNS and CNT.