U.S. develops nanoparticle graphene composite fuel cell catalyst

Researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Princeton University, and Washington State University in Pullman mixed graphene with metal oxide nanoparticles to develop a nanoparticle graphene composite fuel cell catalyst. The research results have been published online in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

They first crystallized indium tin metal oxide nanoparticles directly on specially treated graphene, then added nano-platinum and tested the performance of the material. The experimental results showed that without the addition of indium tin oxide, platinum atoms gathered on the graphite surface, but after adding indium tin oxide, platinum was well spread out. The composite material has better durability, stability and corrosion resistance than graphene used alone and commonly used activated carbon. The researchers believe that the results of this study will help improve the design of fuel cells.

The team is currently testing the composite catalyst in experimental fuel cells to determine how well it works under real-world conditions and how durable it is.