Manganese oxide - graphene oxide hybrid catalyst supports for use in direct methanol fuel cells

Jackson, Aimee Fae ORCID: 0000-0002-2399-0700 (2020). Manganese oxide - graphene oxide hybrid catalyst supports for use in direct methanol fuel cells. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Direct methanol fuel cells are a promising, clean energy technology with many applications including in the portable power sector. Catalyst materials which are an important part of these devices have short lifetimes due to degradation from reaction intermediates. This is particularly the case for the catalyst at the anode side of the direct methanol fuel cell – which is typically made from platinum metal, or a platinum based alloy.
In this study, the use of hybrid catalyst supports was investigated with an aim to improving the durability of the anode catalyst. A simple microwave synthesis method was utilised to produce manganese oxide – graphene oxide and later manganese oxide – carbon black catalyst supports. It was found that manganese oxide - graphene oxide hybrid supports have good durability but suffer from re-stacking of the graphene sheets – inhibiting their performance. Manganese oxide – carbon black supported platinum nanoparticle catalysts had improved performance and durability over the commercial platinum and platinum alloy catalysts. In addition, a preliminary study into the effect of the hybrid support on other novel catalysts suggested that it is the interaction of the platinum and the manganese oxide in direct contact which provides the improved durability.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):