Polypyrrole and Polythiophene Modified Carbon Nanotube-Based Cathode Catalysts for Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

The development of non-precious metal cathode catalysts for anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFC) is beneficial for achieving a more affordable and sustainable H-2 economy. Herein, we propose a polypyrrole, polythiophene, and multi-walled carbon nanotube-based composite material (PPy/PTh/MWCNT) for the electrocatalysis of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the AEMFC cathode. The PPy/PTh/MWCNT catalyst has a tubular micro-mesoporous structure with high specific surface area. The elemental composition of the catalyst's surface was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In 0.1 M KOH solution, the ORR half-wave potential is -0.16 V (SCE) and the electron transfer number is 4. In a single-cell AEMFC, the PPy/PTh/MWCNT catalyst exhibited a maximum power density of 284 mW cm(-2), which is 86 % of the value obtained using commercial Pt/C cathode catalyst under the same testing conditions.

Automated summary

In this study, a novel composite material PPy/PTh/MWCNT was proposed as the catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode of AEMFC. The catalyst exhibited high specific surface area and tubular micro-mesoporous structure. The experimental results showed good electrocatalytic performance of the catalyst, achieving a high maximum power density in a single-cell AEMFC.