A review on carbon nanotube-based composites for electrocatalyst applications

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are attracting attention as catalyst carriers due to their unique combination of properties such as high mechanical strength, large aspect ratio, large surface area, outstanding optical properties, high thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity. These properties make them suitable for electrocatalyst applications such as fuel cells, batteries, sensors, and organic synthesis. The use of CNTs as catalytic carriers for these devices improves catalytic activity and thus performance. This article presents several assemblages and incorporation practices for CNT-based composites in catalyst structuring for various applications. The structure and defects of CNTs are the main factors affecting the catalytic activity of fuel cells and batteries. CNTs synthesis methods and composite design are still active research interests in the field of electrocatalysis. This review focuses on carbon nanotubes and their composites used in the production of non-precious metal catalysts in fuel cells, batteries, sensors, oxygen reduction, oxygen evolution, hydrogen evolution, and high-performance water splitting.