Optimization and Characterization of Laser-Induced Graphene Electrodes for Chemical Fuel Cell to Realize a Microfluidic Platform

Abstract

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) gained significant attention in numerous versatile applications such as energy harvesting, storage, portable power, and flexible electronic applications. While harnessing LIG as an electrode material for energy harvesting, the LIG electrodes are fabricated by CO2 laser on polyimide films. In this work, the design of a miniaturized fuel cell, with integrated MWCNT coated LIG electrodes, has been presented. Here, Formic acid acts as fuel, and Sulphuric acid acts as an electrolyte for the proposed fuel cell. Rigorous investigations have been performed to enhance the performance of fuel cell with optimization of parameters such as catalyst, electrode types, the concentration of fuel and electrolyte solutions, etc. The platform is able to generate an optimum current density as 82.27 μA/cm2, and power density as 2.54 μW/cm2, at a stable OCP of 110 mV, while MWCNT/LIG is used as electrodes (anode and cathode). Such LIG electrodes have numerous advantages including low cost (≤$1), higher efficient, ease of fabrication, flexibility, and ease of application. The present investigation will help to design an ideal microfluidic fuel cell with enhanced performance for energy harvesting.