Synthesis and characterization of iron nanoparticles on partially reduced graphene oxide as a cost-effective catalyst for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells
Organizations: National Science Foundation's through the NSF-Inspire [DMR1344267]
Partially reduced graphene oxide functionalized with Fe nanoparticles alone or combined with Au and Pt nanoparticles is synthesized and characterized, and their effects on Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) power output and carbon monoxide resistance are tested. Samples were prepared with various combinations of metal nanoparticles to create a cost-effective catalyst. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy revealed metal nanoparticles embedded on graphene sheets, some with magnetic susceptibility. PEMFC tests exhibited power output that was >180% of the control in a pure H-2 gas feed and 250% of the control in a H-2 gas feed with 1000 ppm of CO.
