Synergistic effects of carbon nanotubes on α-MnO2 electrocatalysts for improved oxygen reduction in alkaline fuel cells

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

1 Scopus Citations
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Author(s)

  • Abid Ullah
  • Basharat Hussain
  • Muhammad Waqar
  • Muhammad Raheel Khan
  • Javaria Jehanzeb
  • Kamran Alam
  • P. Rosaiah
  • Mohamed Ali
  • Annu
  • Bhargav Akkinepally

Related Research Unit(s)

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Article number111611
Journal / PublicationDiamond and Related Materials
Volume149
Online published22 Sept 2024
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2024

Abstract

The Alkaline Membrane Fuel Cell (AMFC), is a device crucial for electrochemical energy production through the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), conventionally relies on platinum catalysts. However, the challenges of excessive cost and inadequate stability in alkaline environments have hindered its widespread commercialization. Alpha manganese dioxide (αMnO2), with diverse applications in energy and environmental domains, has potential as an alternative catalyst due to its lower metal costs and comparable catalytic activity. This study focuses on the synthesis of αMnO2 nanotubes through controlled environment temperature, and integration with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Optimizing the gas pressure and temperature during synthesis resulted in structural changes in αMnO2 nanotubes, with a notable increase in catalytic behavior at elevated temperatures. The sample treated at 450 °C and mixed with CNTs (CNT-MO450) demonstrated outstanding ORR performance and prolonged stability in an alkaline medium. Furthermore, the CNT-MO450 exhibited the highest current density of −5.2 mA/cm2 at a potential of 0.65 V vs RHE, a peak power density of 73 mW/cm2 (comparable to Pt/C at 95 mW/cm2), and a charge transfer resistance of 310 Ω. The temperature treatment affected the αMnO2 nanotubes, which resulted in increased length at an optimal temperature, leading to a larger surface area. This enhancement in surface area is crucial to improved catalytic activity, electrical conductivity, and extended stability during operation in alkaline media. The findings suggest that CNT-MO450 catalysts hold promise as a cost-effective and stable alternative catalyst for AMFCs. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.

Research Area(s)

  • Alkaline fuel cell, Carbon nanotubes, Cathode catalytic performance, Manganese dioxide nanotubes, Oxygen reduction reaction

Citation Format(s)

Synergistic effects of carbon nanotubes on α-MnO2 electrocatalysts for improved oxygen reduction in alkaline fuel cells. / Ullah, Abid; Hussain, Basharat; Waqar, Muhammad et al.
In: Diamond and Related Materials, Vol. 149, 111611, 11.2024.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review