The efficiency of chitosan-graphene oxide composite membranes modified with genipin in fuel cell application

The paper reports on the processing of chitosan N-doped reduced graphene oxide (CS/N-rGO) nanocomposite membranes prepared by a facile, dispersion-casting procedure aimed as anion exchange membranes in fuel cells. Genipin (GEN) was used as a crosslinking agent to ameliorate mechanical weakens of nanocomposite membranes, while the N-rGO filler, aside of its role as a mechanical enhancer, is expected to improve the ionic conductivity of membranes. The resulting properties of processed membranes in terms of morphology, tensile strength, elasticity, and ethanol permeability were examined. The relevance of the membranes in terms of efficiency and performance was demonstrated in a single cell test.

Electrocatalytic performance of sonochemically synthesized Pt–Ni/C nanoparticles in fuel cell application

Developing high-performance electrocatalysts using simple and controllable methods is of interest to reduce the cost of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. In this study, platinum is alloyed with nickel and supported on carbon (Pt–Ni/C) via an ultrasound-assisted route. The crystallite and particle sizes of the obtained nanoparticles were smaller than the commercial carbon-supported Pt nanoparticles. The sonochemically synthesized Pt–Ni/C nanoparticles exhibited superior electrocatalytic properties than the commercial Pt/C nanoparticles in the fuel cell operation. Electrochemical measurements performed with Pt–Ni/C electrocatalyst displayed excellent oxygen reduction and higher electrochemical active surface area (EASA). Optimum fuel cell performance based on peak power density using Pt–Ni/C electrocatalyst was observed as 0.28 W/cm2 at 0.39 V.