Effect of nitrogen-doping concentration in carbon nanotubes on cathodic performance for proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Abstract

Electrode fabricated by N-doped carbon nanotubes has been identified as a potential catalyst for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) application. N-doped carbon nanotubes have shown their ability in electro-reduction of oxygen at the fuel cell cathode. This paper presents a study on the effect of nitrogen-doping level in carbon nanotubes towards the reduction of oxygen. The half cell test studied using cyclic voltammetry analysis has shown a linear relationship between the nitrogen-doping degree in CNT and the cathodic activity. The sample which exhibited the highest cathodic activity was character by its higher structural defects on the surface that is responsible to serve as the active sites for cathodic oxygen reduction reaction.