Catalyst Enhanced by Controlling Structure and Shape of Nanocrystals, Support Materials, and Hybrid System in DMFCs

Abstract

s Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) have found a wide variety of commercial applications such as portable computer and mobile phone. In a fuel cell, the catalysts have an important role and durability and efficiency are determined by the ability of the catalyst. The activity of the catalyst is determined by the structure and shape control of the nanoparticles and the dispersion of the nanoparticles and application system. The surface energy of nanoparticles determines the activity by shape control and the nanostructure is determined by the ratio of biand tri-metals in the alloy and core-shell. The dispersion of nanoparticles depends on the type of support such as carbon, graphen and metal oxide. In addition, a hybrid system using both optical and electrochemical device has been developed recently.