Sulfur doped reduced graphene oxide as metal-free catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction in anion and proton exchange fuel cells

Klingele M, Chuyen Pham , Vuyyuru KR, Britton B, Holdcroft S, Fischer A, Thiele S (2017)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2017

Journal

Electrochemistry Communications Elsevier

Book Volume: 77

Pages Range: 71-75

DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2017.02.015

Abstract

Sulfur doped reduced graphene oxide (S-rGO) is investigated for catalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acidic and alkaline electrolytes. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that sulfur in S-rGO is predominantly integrated as thiophene motifs within graphene sheets. The overall sulfur content is determined to be approximately 2.2 at.% (elemental analysis). The catalytic activity of S-rGO towards the ORR is investigated by both rotating disc electrode (RDE) and polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) measurements. RDE measurements reveal onset potentials of 0.3 V and 0.74 V (vs. RHE) in acidic and alkaline electrolyte, respectively. In a solid electrolyte fuel cell with S-rGO as cathode material, this is reflected in an open circuit voltage of 0.37 V and 0.78 V and a maximum power density of 1.19 mW/cm2 and 2.38 mW/cm2 in acidic and alkaline polymer electrolyte, respectively. This is the first report investigating the catalytic activity of a sulfur doped carbon material in both acidic and alkaline liquid electrolyte, as well as in both proton and anion exchange polymer electrolyte fuel cells.

Authors with CRIS profile

Simon Thiele

Involved external institutions

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg DE Germany (DE) Simon Fraser University CA Canada (CA)

How to cite

APA:

Klingele, M., Chuyen Pham, ., Vuyyuru, K.R., Britton, B., Holdcroft, S., Fischer, A., & Thiele, S. (2017). Sulfur doped reduced graphene oxide as metal-free catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction in anion and proton exchange fuel cells. Electrochemistry Communications, 77, 71-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.elecom.2017.02.015

MLA:

Klingele, Matthias, et al. "Sulfur doped reduced graphene oxide as metal-free catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction in anion and proton exchange fuel cells." Electrochemistry Communications 77 (2017): 71-75.

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