Recent Developments in Carbon-Based Nanocomposites for Fuel Cell Applications: A Review
Journal
Molecules
Journal Volume
27
Journal Issue
3
Date Issued
2022
Author(s)
Chen T.-W
Kalimuthu P
Veerakumar P
KING-CHUEN LIN
Chen S.-M
Ramachandran R
Mariyappan V
Chitra S.
Abstract
Carbon-based nanocomposites have developed as the most promising and emerging materials in nanoscience and technology during the last several years. They are microscopic materials that range in size from 1 to 100 nanometers. They may be distinguished from bulk materials by their size, shape, increased surface-to-volume ratio, and unique physical and chemical characteristics. Carbon nanocomposite matrixes are often created by combining more than two distinct solid phase types. The nanocomposites that were constructed exhibit unique properties, such as significantly enhanced toughness, mechanical strength, and thermal/electrochemical conductivity. As a result of these advantages, nanocomposites have been used in a variety of applications, including catalysts, electrochemical sensors, biosensors, and energy storage devices, among others. This study focuses on the usage of several forms of carbon nanomaterials, such as carbon aerogels, carbon nanofibers, graphene, carbon nanotubes, and fullerenes, in the development of hydrogen fuel cells. These fuel cells have been successfully employed in numerous commercial sectors in recent years, notably in the car industry, due to their cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and long-cyclic durability. Further; we discuss the principles, reaction mechanisms, and cyclic stability of the fuel cells and also new strategies and future challenges related to the development of viable fuel cells. ? 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Subjects
Carbon-based nanomaterials
Durability
Energy conversion
Oxygen reduction reaction
Polarization curves
Specific activity
Type
review