Fyzikální ústav Akademie věd ČR

Сomposite catalytic materials for improving direct formic acid fuel cells efficiency

Seminar Tuesday, 03/06/2014 13:00 - 14:00

Speakers: Igor Bieloshapka (Institute of Physics, ASCR)
Place: Library of the Institute of Physics ASCR, Cukrovarnicka 10, Praha
Presented in Czech
Organisers: Department of Optical Materials

New sources of energy based on its low price and better working efficiency could solve huge range of human problems nowadays. One of these sources are fuel cells (FC) that could be a promising solution in new generation engines. It is important to improve low working temperature FCs for using in everyday life. DFAFC (Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cells) have important advantages in comparison with others substances used as fuel in FCs: storing (it is a liquid), low working temperature (around 20-60°C) and its low price (0.5 $/l). Conversion of chemical energy to electricity makes it possible due to special construction of FC element based on polymeric membrane (PEMFC – Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell). We focused on studying properties of composite catalytic systems based on the carbon nanomaterials (graphene oxide, graphene) which will be used as a support material of catalysts (Pt, Pd) in DFAFCs. Specifically, our aim is to study by different methods created layers of metals and oxide metals (TiOx, PdOx, PtOx) on above mentioned composite catalytic materials for increasing their efficiency, temperature stability and chemical resistivity.

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