Application of multiple graphene layers as catalyst support material in fuel cells

The fuel cell electrode layer is a significant part of a fuel cell. The electrode layer is composed of the catalyst and porous electrode or gas diffusion layer. Catalyst has critical importance due to the influence on the cost and durability of fuel cells. The production of novel catalyst support materials could open up new ways in order to ensure the catalytic activity by lowering the amount of catalyst loaded [1]. At this point, utilization of multiple graphene layers as catalyst support material increase thermal and electronic conductivities of the membrane electrolyte in fuel cells. Graphene is the flat monolayer of carbon atoms in sp2 hybridization and it has exceptional electronic conductivity, high chemical and mechanical stability, and high surface area [2]. In the present work, we propose an enhanced, safer and mild technique for the separation of graphene layers from graphite to be used in the production of low-cost and durable catalyst support for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. All samples were characterized in details by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), XRay Diffraction (XRD), Thermal Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and Raman Spectroscopy. [1] Y. Shao, J. Liu, Y. Wang, Y. Lin, Novel catalyst support materials for PEM fuel cells: current status and future prospects, J. Mater. Chem. 19 (2009) 46–59 [2] M. I. Katsnelson, Graphene: carbon in two dimensions, Materials Today 10 (2007), 20-27