Preparation and characterization of graphene membrane electrode assembly

Abstract

Fuel cell has been of great demand as power sources for electronic devices. However this has been delayed by the deficiency of catalyst material properties. The aim of this research is to design and synthesis graphene membrane electrode assembly (MEA) as catalyst support in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). Graphene was produced from pure graphite powder using chemical reduction method of graphene oxide aqueous solution with a reducing agent. The modified membrane electrode assembly of graphene sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) was fabricated for DMFC testing. After the reduction process, the FTIR spectrum showed the disappearance of the carbonyl group of graphene oxide. XRD spectrum showed a sharp peak at 2θ = 26.4° which can be assigned as 002 indexed peak with hexagonal crystal structure. The morphology of graphene observed is a uniform multi layer with crumple flakes and the product has conductivity of as high as 1.36 × 104 S/m. The characteristic of the synthesized graphene membrane electrode assembly suggest potential application in direct methanol fuel cell.