Effect on percolation threshold of catalytic layer: Pt/N-Doped graphene shell onto SWCNT for ORR electrode

Duangkamol Dechojarassri, Xiaoyang Wang, Sangwoo Chae, Yasuyuki Sawada, Takeshi Hashimoto, Nagahiro Saito

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A high-rate oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is necessary for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). In this work, by using a solution plasma technique, Pt catalytic particles coated with N-doped graphene (Pt-NG) were effectively produced at 25°C. According to transmission electron microscope images, the average diameter of Pt particles was 4 nm, while the graphene layer thickness was less than 1 nm. A catalytic layer of Pt-NG supported on single-walled carbon nanotubes (Pt-NG/SWCNT) was synthesized. Cyclic voltammetry was used to assess the ORR characteristics of Pt-NG/SWCNT catalytic layers. Only at a density of SWCNT to solvent ratio of 0.75 mg ml−1 were the ORR peaks clearly visible. Because of the high resistivity of SWCNT layers, the ORR peaks in other ranges, 0.4 mg ml−1 to 2.0 mg ml−1, were not clearly observed. The effect of SWCNT concentration on conductivity was proven to follow the basic concept of the percolation threshold.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)4-14
Number of pages11
JournalFuel Cells
Volume23
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023 Feb
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • ORR
  • SWCNT
  • fuel cell
  • percolation threshold
  • platinum catalyst

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology

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