Implementing graphene and graphene oxide in a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Abstract

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) are efficient energy systems, which convert hydrogen and oxygen from air into clean water and generate combined heat and electric energy. Despite PEMFCs economically produce environmentally friendly energy however their main disadvantage is their expensive manufacturing cost since they use precious metal like platinum as catalyst for both anode and cathode electrodes. Graphene and graphene oxide could function more efficiently than the platinum catalyst. Graphene and graphene oxide are well known with their high electric conductivity, Graphene Oxide could potentially take the place of platinum as the main catalyst used in PEMFCs. Moreover, the cost of graphene oxide is comparatively much cheaper than platinum and therefore it holds great promise to enhance the commercialization and market share of PEMFCs as cost effective power source.