Edge-Selectively Functionalized Graphene Nanoplatelets and Their Efficiency as a Catalyst for Oxygen Reduction
Abstract
Fuel cell research is an exciting and rapidly developing field. Currently, fuel cells
are far too expensive to have practicality for everyday usage. In this article, edgeselectively
functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (EFGnPs) were prepared using a
simple ball milling process to determine their use as an oxygen reduction catalyst.
Graphite sheets were ball milled in the presence of various functional groups to form
four different types of EFGnPs. The four types were hydrogen (HGnP), carboxylic acid
(CGnP), sulfonic acid (SGnP), and carboxylic/sulfonic acid (CSGnP). Cyclic
voltammetry and rotating disk electrodes were used to study the behavior and efficiency
of the EFGnP catalysts in an oxygen reduction reaction. It was found that the SGnP
was the most effective EFGnP in reducing oxygen. Moreover, the SGnP had
comparable catalytic efficiency to the traditional platinum-based catalyst as well as
higher cycle stability due to its polarity, making it a possible alternative to the expensive
Pt catalyst. If the catalysts were less expensive, the overall cost of fuel cells would
decline dramatically, making them viable, practical, and environmentally friendly options
for energy production.