Sulfonated polypyrrole matrix induced enhanced efficiency of Ni nanocatalyst for application as an anode material for {DMFCs}

By Das, Suparna; Dutta, Kingshuk; Kundu, Patit Paban
Published in Materials Chemistry and Physics NULL 2016

Abstract

Abstract Search for new catalyst (in place of traditionally used high cost Pt-Ru metal alloy) and catalyst supporting matrix (in place of conventionally used low efficient Vulcan carbon) for oxidation of methanol and application as anode catalyst system in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) has been an active area of research for last several years. This work demonstrates utilization of comparatively less expensive and more abundant Ni metal catalyst, supported on polypyrrole (PPy) and partially sulfonated {PPy} (SPPy), as potential catalyst systems in place of the commercially used Pt-Ru/C catalyst system for oxidation of methanol. {SPPy} emerged as the best matrix for the Ni catalyst nanoparticles, in terms of catalyst deposition, dispersion, distribution and utilization. This combination generated a peak current density of 359 ?Acm?2 at +0.579 V, as well as, a higher IF/IB ratio compared to the commercial Pt-Ru/C catalyst. In addition, Ni/SPPy produced a current density of 144.5 mAcm?2 (at +0.2 V potential) and a maximum power density of 28.9 mWcm?2 at 60

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