Functionalized Carbon Nanostructures for PEMFCs

As the most effective and environmentally friendly tools for transforming chemical energy to electrical energy, numerous studies are being conducted on fuel cells. Because of their efficiency, compact design, and quick start-up, proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are regarded as one of the most prevalent fuel cell types under development nowadays. Electrocatalysts and proton exchange membranes (PEMs) are the primary elements of PEMFCs. Owing to superior electrical conductivity and large surface area, carbonaceous materials have received increased attention as promising candidates for fillers for the membrane and support material for the electrocatalyst. In case of the membrane, using carbonaceous materials can provide an alternative solution for improving its conductivity and assisting the humidification of PEM. Regarding the catalysts, the ability of functionalized carbon materials to stabilize active metal and metal oxide nanoparticles makes them favorable catalyst supports and composite type supports with a stable oxide coating over the carbonaceous backbone. This chapter focuses on the development of functionalized carbon and innovative functionalized carbon nanomaterials used for catalyst supports, including carbon nanotubes, graphene derivatives, etc. Furthermore, the use of nanofillers for the PEM, such as functionalized single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, fullerene, and graphene, will be detailed.