Nitrogen-containing carbon nanotubes as cathodic catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

• Published in: Diamond and related materials 2012-02, Vol.22, p.12-22
• Main Authors: Wong, Wai Yin, Daud, Wan Ramli Wan, Mohamad, Abu Bakar, Kadhum, Abdul Amir Hassan, Majlan, Edy Herianto, Loh, Kee Shyuan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Carbon nanotubes; Catalysis; Catalysts: preparations and properties; Chemistry; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Materials science; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; Nanotubes; Nitrogen-doped; Organic catalyst; Oxygen reduction reaction; Physics; Proton exchange membrane fuel cell; Theory of reactions, general kinetics. Catalysis. Nomenclature, chemical documentation, computer chemistry
• ISSN: 0925-9635; 1879-0062
• DOI: 10.1016/j.diamond.2011.11.004

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) comprise a diverse range of fuel cell thought to have future commercial application and transportation. The introduction of nitrogen into carbon nanostructures has created new pathways for the development of non-noble metal electro-catalysts in fuel cells. This review provides insight into the role of nitrogen inclusion into the carbon nanotubes (CNT) and the possible mechanisms involved in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity. The doping effects of nitrogen into CNT on the surface morphology, electronic structures and electrochemical activity are discussed. Catalyst nanoparticles distribution, chemical composition and the incorporation of a binder play crucial roles in the generation of good catalytic activity and high stability in organic electro-catalysts. Synthesize methods for making nitrogen-containing carbon nanostructures and the resultant oxygen reduction reactivity are compared. Finally, stability issues of the N-CNT electrocatalysts are discussed.