Enhanced performance of PEM fuel cell using MWCNT reinforced carbon paper

Abstract

Porous conducting carbon paper has been identified as one of the most suitable materials to be used as a fuel cell electrode backing. Carbon paper is prepared by the combined process of papermaking followed by composite formation. Experiments have been carried out whereby heat treated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are integrated in the sample while keeping the amount of fiber and resin constant. The diminutive magnitudes of these nanostructures are found to have a considerable effect on the electrical and mechanical properties of the carbon paper electrode. The I–V performance of the unit polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell shows a maximum power density of 880 mW cm⁻² with 0.05 vol% of MWCNTs, an increase of ∼25% as compared to 700 mW cm⁻² obtained using commercially available standard Toray carbon paper tested under similar conditions.