Graphene and Functionalized Graphene Supported Platinum Catalyst for PEMFC

The graphene was synthesized by chemical oxidation followed by thermal exfoliation of natural graphite. The functionalized graphene (FG) was prepared by chemical treatment of the synthesized graphene. The as-synthesized graphene and FG were characterized and used as Pt support materials. The 20wt.% Pt/G and 20wt.% Pt/FG catalysts were prepared by precipitation method. The prepared catalysts were characterized for particle size using X-ray diffraction, surface morphology, electrochemical performance, and stability using cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical surface area of the FG supported platinum catalyst was found to be more than 45% as compared to the commercial carbon supported platinum catalyst. The stability of the developed catalyst (Pt/G and Pt/FG) was significantly higher than the commercial Pt/C. The membrane electrode assembly was developed using the catalysts and tested in a PEMFC. The maximum power densities of the fuel cell were found to be 314, 426, and 455mWcm-2 using Pt/C, Pt/G, and Pt/FG, respectively.