Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Commons^™

Development Of Novel Nano-Structured Materials With Low-Cost And High Stability For Pem Fuel Cell, Dongsheng Geng

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are non-polluting and efficient energy conversion devices that are expected to play a dominant role in energy solutions of the future. However, due to high cost and known degradation issue of Pt electrocatalyst, more durable, efficient, and inexpensive electrocatalysts are required before fuel cells can become commercially viable. This research is revolving around the development of electrocatalysts such as non-noble metal oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst, new alternative supports, and novel Pt nanostructures to address the above-mentioned challenges in PEMFCs.

Firstly, we report the synthesis of nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes (CN_x) and …