Applications of carbon nanotubes in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Abstract

Carbonaceous materials play a vital role, in the performance of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) irrespective of their use in cathode, anode and in bipolar plates. However, their use in composite electrolyte membrane has been only recognised recently especially after their functionalization to impart enhanced proton conductivity to the composite electrolyte. PEMFC development still has many material related challenges in terms of durability, degradation and more significantly cost reduction. Different methodologies have been adopted to deposit Pt electrocatalyst on CNTs and other carbonaceous materials, thus transforming them into the membrane electrode assembly. Functionalized carbon nanotubes with desired surface groups are found to be better for composite electrolytes since they increase the protonic conductivity along with increased mechanical stability. The use of CNTs doped with nitrogen indicates the possibility of total Pt removal from MEAs in the near future. Many of these recent advances in the application of carbon nanotubes and related materials in the functioning of polymer electrolyte fuel cells are discussed in this article providing an overview of their possible role and limitations.