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Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell with a Pt‐free Cathode and a Freely Diffusing Electron Acceptor
Author(s) -
Thimmappa Ravikumar,
Kottaichamy Alagar Raja,
Devendrachari Mruthyunjayachari Chattanahalli,
Aralekallu Shambulinga,
Shafi Shahid Pottachola,
Gautam Manu,
Kotresh Harish Makri Nimbegondi,
Thotiyl Musthafa Ottakam
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
chemelectrochem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.182
H-Index - 59
ISSN - 2196-0216
DOI - 10.1002/celc.201600675
Subject(s) - proton exchange membrane fuel cell , cathode , electrochemistry , catalysis , carbon fibers , electron acceptor , proton , metal , materials science , acceptor , chemical engineering , nanoparticle , membrane , chemistry , nanotechnology , photochemistry , electrode , composite material , metallurgy , organic chemistry , physics , quantum mechanics , composite number , engineering , condensed matter physics , biochemistry
In a fuel cell, almost 80% efficiency loss arises due to the cathode; consequently, the cathode requires the largest amount of precious metal catalyst. Here, we show a precious‐metal‐free cathode for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) containing only carbon nanoparticles as the catalyst and a freely diffusing molecule as the electron acceptor. Factors controlling the true rate of electrochemical reactions are amplified just by using carbon nanoparticles, leading to a carbon corrosion‐free PEMFC delivering 154 mW/cm 2 at 358 mA/cm 2 without any precious metals.