Publication Date:
2011
abstract:
The most developed fuel cells are those working at low temperature using a
polymeric electrolyte, PEMFC and DAFC, the latter making use of different alcohols
directly as fuel. At present, the most effective fuel cell catalysts, both in cathode and
anode, are highly dispersed platinum-based nanoparticles. These Pt nanoparticles are
normally supported on carbon materials in order to increase the active surface area of Pt
and improve the catalyst utilization. Among other factors, the performance of metal
nanoparticles supported on carbon materials depends strongly on the properties of the
support. For fuel cell applications, carbon supports should have several characteristics
such as high surface area for dispersing catalytic metal particles, high electrical
conductivity for providing electrical pathways, and mesoporous structure for the facile
diffusion of reactants and by-products. Moreover, the interaction between the carbon
support and the Pt plays an important role in the properties of the Pt/C catalyst. This
interaction can be improved through the surface modification of the support in order to
form proper functional groups and chemical links at the Pt/C interface. These functional
groups can significantly affect the manufacture and performance of electrocatalysts, and
they are responsible for both the acid-base and the redox properties of the carbon
supports
polymeric electrolyte, PEMFC and DAFC, the latter making use of different alcohols
directly as fuel. At present, the most effective fuel cell catalysts, both in cathode and
anode, are highly dispersed platinum-based nanoparticles. These Pt nanoparticles are
normally supported on carbon materials in order to increase the active surface area of Pt
and improve the catalyst utilization. Among other factors, the performance of metal
nanoparticles supported on carbon materials depends strongly on the properties of the
support. For fuel cell applications, carbon supports should have several characteristics
such as high surface area for dispersing catalytic metal particles, high electrical
conductivity for providing electrical pathways, and mesoporous structure for the facile
diffusion of reactants and by-products. Moreover, the interaction between the carbon
support and the Pt plays an important role in the properties of the Pt/C catalyst. This
interaction can be improved through the surface modification of the support in order to
form proper functional groups and chemical links at the Pt/C interface. These functional
groups can significantly affect the manufacture and performance of electrocatalysts, and
they are responsible for both the acid-base and the redox properties of the carbon
supports
Iris type:
14.b.1 Contributo in volume (Capitolo o Saggio)
Keywords:
carbon black
electrocatalysis
fuel cells
List of contributors:
Làzaro, Mj; Calvillo, L.; Celorrio, V.; Pardo, J. I.; Perathoner, Siglinda; Moliner, R.
Book title:
Carbon Black Production, Properties and Uses