The Role of Nanotechnology in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell and Microbial Fuel Cell: The Insight of Nanohybrid
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The utilization of proton exchange membrane (PEM) or polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and microbial fuel cell (MFC) is attaining prominence for the production
of energy; however, these technologies come with their challenges like the cost of platinum catalyst, which is fifty percent of the total budget of the technologies. Here, the role of
nanotechnology in proton exchange membrane and microbial fuel cells is reviewed. Remarkable exploits have been committed to the use of nano-materials to synthesize catalyst
that are earth-abundant as an alternative to -platinum catalyst. The design of these nano-materials must be intentional for the attainment of very large surface areas. In the quest of
making fuel cells affordable, researchers have focused their attention on designing nanomaterials that will make fuel cells cost-effective. The outstanding chemical characteristics
in addition to the physical characteristics of these nano-materials have resulted in all-encompassing investigations targeted at enhancing the performance and cost-effectiveness of
fuel cells. The application of nano-materials has also been extended in areas such as PEMFC and MFC, by incorporating the nanomaterials in the membranes and electrodes for the
purpose of enhancing the performance of the fuel cells. The future prospects of proton exchange membrane and microbial fuel cells in the light of nanohybrids discussed showed that
nanohybrids yields outstanding mechanical properties together with chemical steadiness; increased selectivity and proton conductivity; increased electron transfer efficiency and the
highest capacitance; increased output power density and the transference of charge; and upsurge kinetics of the electrodes which will enhance power production.
Keywords
TN Mining engineering. Metallurgy, TP Chemical technology