Graphene shows support for fuel cell catalysts

In the study published in Nanoscale, scientists produced graphene via a scalable technique and used it to develop the catalysts. The research team, involving scientists from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and University College London (UCL), showed that this new type of graphene-based catalyst was more durable than commercially available catalysts and matched their performance.

Graphene flakes show potential as surfactant

Platinum is the most widely used catalyst for these fuel cells, but its high cost is hindering the commercialisation of hydrogen fuel cells. Commercial catalysts are typically made by applying platinum nanoparticles onto a carbon support, but the poor durability of the material reduces the lifetime of current fuel cells.

According to QMUL, previous research has suggested that graphene could be an ideal support material for fuel cells due to its corrosion resistance, high surface area and high conductivity. The graphene used in most experiments to-date contains defects and the predicted improved resistance has not been achieved.