Case Western Reserve University scientists have found catalysts that are made by dipping carbon nanotubes in polymer solution. This catalyst can possibly enhance the output power and continue further benefits by comparing nanotube layout and polymer type.
Researchers find that the cost of activated carbon nanotubes is very less when compared to the platinum-based fuel cells but are more efficient.
Dai and research associates Shuangyin Wang and Dingshan Yu have found that surface of nanotubes are coated with a polymer by just soaking in water solution of polydiallyldimethylammoniumn chloride for a couple of hours. Thus the polymer creates a net positive charge by pulling an electron partially from the carbon. The nanotubes are placed on the cathode of an alkaline fuel cell where the charged material works as a catalyst for the oxygen-reduction reaction. When examined, nano-based fuel cells generate more power similar to the platinum-based cells.
Researchers have said that the activated nanotubes are steadier and do not have crossover effect with methanol.
Previously, Dai lab had developed a new process using nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes as a catalyst. In that process, nitrogen was chemically bonded to carbon and partially drag an electron from the carbon to generate charge. The doped tubes showed triple the energy output of platinum when tested. However, the new catalytic process is more simple and inexpensive than nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes and the system is not still optimized.
Source: http://www.case.edu/