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Investigation of Nitrogen-Doped Biomass as a Catalyst Support for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

Ackerman, Andrew Michael
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=walshhonors1524223380208333

Abstract Details

2018, Bachelor of Science, Walsh University, Honors.
An active biomass carbon catalyst support was synthesized with the potential to enhance the activity of the platinum catalyst in PEM fuel cells. Garbanzo beans, an inexpensive source of nitrogen dense carbon, were used to produce the biomass carbon catalyst support, biosupport. The biosupport was synthesized by means of pyrolysis in the absence of oxygen in order to maximize nitrogen retention. To characterize the prepared biosupport, cyclic voltammetry experiments were conducted on the biosupport and a standard carbon support, Vulcan XC 72, by scanning the potential from -270 mV to 950 mV in both perchloric and sulfuric acid. The resulting cyclic voltammograms of the biosupport had a cathodic peak at 750 mV and an anodic peak at 220 mV whereas the Vulcan XC 72 had no significant peaks which is characteristic of an electrode in which no electrochemical activity is occurring. The peaks present on the cyclic voltammogram of the biosupport indicated a reversible oxidation and reduction processes taking place. The intensity of the cyclic voltammogram peaks, indicating reversible oxidation and reduction reactions for the biosupport, was greater in the perchloric acid, which indicates that the biosupport is more active, in regards to electrochemical reactions, in the perchloric acid. Cyclic voltammetry scans of synthesized 20% w/w platinum on the biosupport, by means of homogenous deposition using NaBH4, showed compromised durability from a large decrease in the intensity of the hydrogen adsorption peak at 100 mV in perchloric acid after two rounds of scans. The durability of the synthesized 20% w/w platinum on the biosupport was less compromised in sulfuric acid, with significantly less decrease in the hydrogen adsorption peak at 100 mV. These results presented evidence for a negative correlation between the extent of the activity and durability of the biosupport.
Peter Tandler, Ph. D. (Advisor)
45 p.
Chemistry
Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells Biomass Catalyst Support

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Ackerman, A. M. (2018). Investigation of Nitrogen-Doped Biomass as a Catalyst Support for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells [Undergraduate thesis, Walsh University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=walshhonors1524223380208333

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Ackerman, Andrew. Investigation of Nitrogen-Doped Biomass as a Catalyst Support for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells. 2018. Walsh University, Undergraduate thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=walshhonors1524223380208333.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Ackerman, Andrew. "Investigation of Nitrogen-Doped Biomass as a Catalyst Support for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells." Undergraduate thesis, Walsh University, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=walshhonors1524223380208333

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2018, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Walsh University Honors Theses and OhioLINK.