WO2022271757A1 - Applying nano graphene oxide flakes to electrode surfaces of electrical devices - Google Patents

Applying nano graphene oxide flakes to electrode surfaces of electrical devices Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022271757A1
WO2022271757A1 PCT/US2022/034420 US2022034420W WO2022271757A1 WO 2022271757 A1 WO2022271757 A1 WO 2022271757A1 US 2022034420 W US2022034420 W US 2022034420W WO 2022271757 A1 WO2022271757 A1 WO 2022271757A1
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Prior art keywords
electrical device
electrical
fuel cell
flakes
disposed
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PCT/US2022/034420
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French (fr)
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Hazem Tawfik
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Hazem Tawfik
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Publication of WO2022271757A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022271757A1/en

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
    • H01B1/00—Conductors or conductive bodies characterised by the conductive materials; Selection of materials as conductors
    • H01B1/06—Conductors or conductive bodies characterised by the conductive materials; Selection of materials as conductors mainly consisting of other non-metallic substances
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to electrical devices and systems that include polymer electrolyte membrane or proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, electrolyzers, supercapacitors and batteries.
  • PEM polymer electrolyte membrane or proton-exchange membrane
  • Platinum is an expensive precious metal which is widely used as catalyst for proton exchange membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cells in industry. Platinum is a major contributor to the high cost of these fuel cells.
  • PEM proton exchange membrane
  • the present disclosure relates to a novel and non-obvious design and manufacturing method for electrical devices including PEM fuel cells, electrolyzers, supercapacitors and batteries by disposing less expensive and more efficient catalyst to enable the cost-effective storage and production of clean renewable energy Nano graphene oxide (Nano GO or NGO) is known for its high thermal and electrical conductivity and relatively low price.
  • Nano graphene oxide Ni GO or NGO
  • platinum an expensive precious metal, is widely used as a catalyst for proton exchange membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cells.
  • the embodiments of the disclosure provide significant novel and non-obvious significant advantages in the design of a PEM hydrogen fuel cell by applying Nano Graphene Oxide (NGO) round flakes with a relatively high surface area to volume ratio, which thereby increases the rate of chemical reactions and electrical conductivity due to increased surface area.
  • NGO Nano Graphene Oxide
  • the disclosure relates to an electrical device comprising at least one electrode surface that includes nanographene oxide flakes disposed on said at least one electrode surface thereby increasing conductivity properties of the electrical device.
  • the electrical device is one of a proton-exchange membrane or polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell or an electrolyzer that each Includes at least one gas diffusion layer.
  • the nanographene oxide flakes are disposed at least partially on the at least one of the gas diffusion layer and the proton-exchange membrane or polymer electrolyte membrane, thereby increasing conductivity and catalytic properties of the one of a fuel cell and an electrolyzer.
  • the electrical device is a supercapacitor that includes nanographene oxide flakes disposed on said at least one electrical surface.
  • the electrical device is a battery that includes nanographene oxide flakes disposed on said at least one electrode surface.
  • the electrical device excludes platinum catalyst.
  • the present disclosure relates to an electrical system that includes At least one of a voltage source and a load;
  • An electrical device comprising at least one electrode surface that includes nanographene oxide flakes disposed on said at least one surface thereby increasing conductivity properties of the electrical device, the voltage source configured and disposed to enable electrical communication with the electrical device.
  • the electrical device is one of a proton-exchange membrane or polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell and an electrolyzer that includes at least one gas diffusion layer.
  • the nanographene oxide flakes are disposed on the at least one of the gas diffusion layer and the proton-exchange membrane or polymer electrolyte membrane, thereby increasing conductivity and catalytic properties of the one of a fuel cell or electrolyzer.
  • the electrical device is a supercapacitor that includes nanographene oxide flakes disposed on said at least one electrical surface.
  • the electrical device is a battery that includes nanographene oxide flakes disposed on said at least one surface.
  • the electrical device excludes platinum catalyst.
  • the present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing an electrical device, the electrical device comprising at least one electrode surface; and at least one proton exchange membrane formed of a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (Teflon ® ) and perfluoro-3,6-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octene-sulfonic acid (NafionTM),
  • Teflon ® tetrafluoroethylene
  • NafionTM perfluoro-3,6-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octene-sulfonic acid
  • the method includes:
  • FIG.l illustrates the atomic structure of a graphene sheet, graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a fuel cell system having a fuel cell that includes a fuel reactants flow field configuration with an optimized square grid system according to the disclosure
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a fuel cell system and fuel cell according to the disclosure that includes nanographene oxide flakes or powder applied to various surfaces within the fuel cell;
  • FIG. 4 illustrates Table 1-Properties of the Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) Used for the Experimental Results
  • FIG. 5 illustrates Table 2- Properties of Graphene Nano Oxide powder utilized for the Experimental Results
  • FIG. 6 illustrates the experimental preparation of the nano-graphene oxide solution
  • FIG. 7 illustrates the sonication sequence and procedure
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a cell fuel cell that was fabricated with active area Active area with nano graphene oxide added only to the cathodic electrode
  • FIG. 9 illustrates an experimental testing station for measuring fuel cell power output and performance evaluation
  • FIG. 10 illustrates another view of the experimental testing station of FIG. 9 for measuring fuel cell power output and performance evaluation
  • FIG. 11 illustrates the membrane electrode assembly (MEA)of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 12 illustrates the performance of the fuel cell system of FIG. 3 with and without the deposition of nano-graphene oxide showing the improvement in performance obtained by the application of the nano-graphene oxide powder or flakes;
  • FIG. 13 illustrates the operation of a Proton Exchange Membrane Flydrogen Fuel Cell according to the prior art
  • FIG. 14 Illustrates operation of an electrolyzer that includes nanographene oxide flakes or powder according to the disclosure.
  • FIG. 15 illustrates a supercapacitor to which ISIGO flakes or powder can be applied according to the disclosure
  • FIG. 16 illustrates a supercapacitor system to which NGO flakes or powder can be applied according to the disclosure
  • FIG. 17 illustrates another supercapacitor system to which NGO flakes or powder can be applied according to the disclosure.
  • FIG. 18 illustrates a nickel zinc battery that includes NGO powder or flakes according to the disclosure.
  • the disclosure relates to replacing platinum totally or partially with the nano GO round flakes shape with exceedingly high surface area to volume ratio that has additionally imparted considerable catalytic functionality to these GO flakes layer structure.
  • Catalytic functionality refers to reaction rate.
  • An increase in catalytic functionality can occur due to increase in surface area.
  • the high surface area to volume ratio increases the storage capacity of the supercapacitor.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a graphene sheet single layer 100 of carbon atoms 101 linked by covalent bonds 102 in hexagonal shapes.
  • Graphene oxide (GO) 110 includes HOOC and COOH bonds 112, OH bonds 114 and oxygen bonds 116.
  • Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) 120 includes carbon atoms 101 joined by covalent bonds 102, OH bonds 114 and oxygen bonds 116. HOOC and COOH bonds 112 are not present, thereby leading to the terminology of reduced graphene oxide (rGO).
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a fuel cell system 200.
  • Fuel cell system 200 includes a fuel cell 210.
  • Fuel cell system 200 includes a supply of hydrogen 9 and oxygen 10 from the air to the fuel cell 210 which results in an output current I at 220.
  • Fuel cell 210 includes a reactants flow field configuration with an optimized square grid system according to the disclosure.
  • Porous carbon electrodes 4 containing platinum catalyst at the cathodic side Porous carbon electrodes 4 containing platinum catalyst at the cathodic side.
  • Porous carbon electrodes 5 containing platinum catalyst at the anodic side Porous carbon electrodes 5 containing platinum catalyst at the anodic side.
  • Gas diffusion layer 7 for the anodic side of the cell (Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction HOR);
  • FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the present disclosure wherein fuel cell 300 includes a plurality of generally parallel adjacent rectangular structures including, as illustrated being oriented from left to right for discussion purposes and not limited to such orientation, hydrogen flow field 310 having outer surface 312 and inner surface 314.
  • Gas diffusion layer 320 has a first side or surface 322 interfacing inner surface 314 of hydrogen flow field or injection port 310 and a second side or surface 324 interfacing a first surface 332 of hydrogen oxidation electrode 330.
  • Second surface 334 of hydrogen oxidation electrode 330 interfaces first surface 342 of Nafion membrane 340.
  • Second surface 344 of Nafion membrane 340 interfaces first surface 352 of oxygen reduction electrode 350.
  • Second surface 354 of oxygen reduction electrode 350 is typically coated with platinum catalyst 356, which also interfaces first surface 372 of gas diffusion layer 370.
  • Second surface 372 of gas diffusion layer 370 interfaces first or inner surface 382 of oxygen flow field or injection port 380 which includes a second or outer surface 384.
  • NGO flakes or powder 360 is illustrated symbolically as a small rectangle with respect to the adjacent structures of the oxygen reduction electrode 350 and the gas diffusion layer 370.
  • NGO nanographene oxide
  • the PEM fuel cell 300 is configured or includes NGO powder or flakes 360 disposed in at least one or more of the following aspects.
  • the disclosure is not limited to the following aspects.
  • GDL 370 and/or 320- platinum loaded on 100% of one or both sides of GDL 370 and/or 320;
  • NGO flakes less than 100 nm long/diam covering entire surface area of same side of GDL 370 and/or 320 as platinum coating.
  • a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), for the PEM hydrogen fuel cells according to the disclosure includes relatively inexpensive layers of nano GO flakes compared to platinum, to both the Anodes and Cathodes of the PEM hydrogen fuel cell.
  • Preliminary experimental work showed 53% to 67% improvement in the power output when about 20% of the PEM fuel cell cathodic electrode's surface, which is made of carbon black catalyst support, was coated with slurry composed of sonicated nano GO, deionized water and liquid Nafion ® (Chemours Inc.-suifonateci tetrsfluoroethylene-bssed fluoropoiymer-copoiymer), as shown in FIG. 1.
  • the PEM fuel cell includes a proton exchange electrolyte membrane sandwiched between an anode (negative electrode) and a cathode (positive electrode).
  • the membrane sandwiched is technically termed as the Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) that includes Nafion ® membrane, electrodes, catalyst loading, and gas diffusion layer pressed together.
  • MEA Membrane Electrode Assembly
  • Hydrogen fuel (H2) is admitted to the anode channels as the first reactant gas, where the HOR takes place in the presence of the catalyst, causing the splitting of hydrogen's negatively charged electrons from the positively charged protons.
  • the membrane allows the positively charged protons to pass through to the cathode, but not the negatively charged electrons.
  • the negatively charged electrons must flow around the membrane through an external circuit. This flow of electrons forms an electrical current.
  • the negatively charged electrons and positively charged hydrogen ions (protons) combine with oxygen under the ORR and the presence of the catalyst to form water (H20) and heat.
  • the two most essential and expensive parts of a PEMFC are the platinum catalyst and the Membrane Exchange Assembly.
  • the Membrane is normally made from Nafion ® , a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (Teflon ® ) and perfluoro-3,6-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octene-sulfonic acid (Nafion).
  • Teflon ® a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene
  • Nafion perfluoro-3,6-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octene-sulfonic acid
  • Platinum is an extremely expensive material ($US 928.65/oz) (Platinum prices, 2015), but Platinum works extremely well with Nafion due to their mutual relationship. Platinum allows for the high transfer of protons across the membrane and the rapid exchange of hydrogen molecules to ions.
  • the present disclosure relates to the following: • Enabling the effect of nano-graphene oxide on the oxygen reduction reaction ORR activity of platinum electro-catalyst and the overall influence on fuel cell performance, when it is added to the carbon black catalyst support in the cathodic side.
  • Chemours (DuPont) National ® which is a polymer dispersion made from chemically stabilized perfluoro sulfonic acid (PFSA) / polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) copolymer in the acid (Fl + ) form, and are available in several polymer content and dispersant compositions, referred to as tetrafluoroethylene (Teflon ® ) and perfluoro-3,6- dioxa-4-methyl-7-octene-sulfonic acid (NationTM)
  • Typical uses include fabrication of thin films and coating formulations for fuel cell membranes, catalyst coating, sensors, and a variety of electrochemical applications.
  • Nafion D520 Dispersion (a diluted, liquid form of the same chemical used for a PEM fuel cell membrane) drastically reduces the amount of platinum needed as a catalyst by exposing a larger fraction of the platinum to the hydrogen gas. Also, the Nafion acts as a binding agent to hold the platinum, membrane, and gas diffusion layer together.
  • Platinum is part of the platinum group metals (PGM). These include platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), osmium (Os), rhodium (Rh), ruthenium (Ru) and iridium (Ir). Rhenium has also been suggested as a catalyst for fuel cells.
  • the present disclosure provides a novel and non-obvious method to increase the power output of PEM fuel cells while at the same time reducing the manufacturing costs.
  • nanographene oxide-nano GO may be applied as well to fuel cells which employ other catalysts such as palladium or rhenium or related catalysts to also increase the power output of PEM fuel cells while at the same time reducing the manufacturing costs.
  • Sonicated Slurry was prepared composed of nano graphene flakes, deionized water, Nafion liquid, and other materials.
  • PEM Proton Exchange Membrane Hydrogen Fuel Cell
  • GDL Gas Diffusion Layer
  • Catalyst support layer electrodes, and other components of the PEMFC.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates Table 1-Properties of the Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) Used for the Experimental Results.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates Table 2- Properties of Graphene Nano Oxide powder purchased from Graphene Supermarket (Ronkonkoma, New York, USA)
  • FIG. 6 illustrates the experimental preparation 600 of the nano-graphene oxide solution:
  • FIG. 7 illustrates the sonication sequence and procedure 700.
  • a container 712 includes solution 714.
  • step 720 the solution 714 is placed inside the sonicator 605 for 120 minutes under 23°C temperature.
  • step 730 following sonication, the now sonicated solution 714' is poured inside a flask 740.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates one cell fuel cell 800 that was fabricated with active area Active area of 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm, nano graphene oxide added only to the cathodic electrode platinum catalyst is typically applied in concentrated quantities.
  • FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 illustrate a complete experimental testing station 900 for measuring fuel cell power output and performance evaluation.
  • a Testing station 900 was assembled to measure the power output of the PEM fuel cell 800 with the addition of the nano-graphene oxide to the carbon black as the catalyst support on the cathodic electrode.
  • Testing station 900 includes the following items: a) 2- Liter hydrogen tank 910.
  • DC electronic load machine 920 was used to display the voltage, current and power output of the fuel cell 800 on a computer screen.
  • the multimeter DC electronic load machine 920 was used to confirm/check the values displayed on the computer and obtained by the electronic load. f) This test was performed under a hood for additional safety.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 310 of FIG. 3
  • FIG. 12 the performance of the fuel cell system 300 of FIG. 3 with and without the deposition of nano-graphene oxide is depicted. It is observed that power increases with increasing current.
  • X-axis 1210 presents Current in Amps/in.
  • L 2 in units of 0.001 at the origin to 0.009 at the extreme right.
  • Y-axis 1220 presents Power in Watts/in.
  • L 2 in units of 0.0010 with 0.0000 at the origin
  • the power curve for the graph with no graphene application 1230 increased from 0.006W/in A 2 to 0.0035 W/in A 2 meanwhile the graph with graphene on the cathodic side 1240 increased from 0.008 W/in A 2 to 0.0052 W/in A 2 indicating a 67% increase in power output. This is considered a significant enhancement in the cell performance.
  • FIG. 13 illustrates the operation of a Proton Exchange Membrane Flydrogen Fuel Cell 1300 according to the prior art.
  • Proton Exchange Membrane Flydrogen Fuel Cell 1300 illustrates the prior art, the embodiments of such proton exchange membrane fuel cells operate in a similar manner to that of the novel Proton Exchange Membrane Systems 200 of FIG. 2 and 300 of FIG. 3 of the disclosure.
  • Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell 1300 is a system that converts chemical energy to electrical energy. It receives hydrogen at one side (the Anodic side)as shown above in FIGS. 2 and 3 above.
  • a platinum catalyst enables the splitting of hydrogen atom to hydrogen ions and electrons.
  • the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) only allows the ions ( Protons) to pass through the membrane from the anodic side to the cathodic side. Meanwhile, the elections are caused to proceed to the cathode through an electric circuit creating electric current.
  • the catalyst is typically made of platinum which is an expensive precious metal.
  • Nano Graphene Oxide is applied at various locations to lower the overall price of the fuel cell system and enhance its commercialization as an electric power system.
  • FIG. 14 Illustrates operation of an electrolyzer 1400 that includes nanographene oxide flakes or powder according to the disclosure.
  • Electrolyzers include an anode and a cathode separated by an electrolyte.
  • the electrolyte is a solid specialty plastic material.
  • Water reacts at the anode to form oxygen and positively charged hydrogen ions (protons).
  • the electrons flow through an external circuit and the hydrogen ions selectively move across the PEM to the cathode.
  • electrolyzer 1400 operation of electrolyzer 1400 is as follows:
  • Water H201410 enters at port 1412 and passes through port 1414a in anode 1414.
  • a voltage is applied by voltage source 1416 between anode 1414 and cathode 1418.
  • the oxygen 02 1410' in the water H20 1410 is converted to oxygen 02 and passes through port 1414b and then through port 1420.
  • Hydrogen ions H+ 1422 pass through a membrane 1424 and are converted to 2H2 1410" at port 1426.
  • NGO flakes 360 of FIG. 3 can be deposited on the membrane 1424 or the cathode 1418 or anode 1414 and some or all simultaneously.
  • the location of the NGO flakes or powder 360 on the internal components of the Electrolyzer is very similar to the PEM fuel cell and is mainly located on the gas diffusion layer 1431 on the cathodic side and the gas diffusion layer 1432 on the anodic side respectively and the electrode 1441, 1442 of the cathodic and anodic side respectively.
  • FIGS. 15-17 illustrate supercapacitors to which NGO flakes or powder 360 can be applied according to the disclosure.
  • Supercapacitors utilize electrostatic double-layer capacitance (typically made of carbon) and electromechanical pseudo-capacitance (metal oxide or conducting polymer). Both contribute to the capacitor's total capacitance and are designed for many rapid charge/discharge cycles over long-term energy storage. More particularly, referring to FIG. 15, supercapacitor 1500 is illustrated having a capacitor body 1510 that encloses double-side coated inner electrode 1530 and outer electrode 1540.
  • Electrodes 1530 and 1540 are separated from each other by porous paper separator 1550.
  • Outer electrode 1540 is separated from the outer portion of the capacitor body 1510 by porous paper separator 1560.
  • Connecting terminals 1571 and 1572 enable the reversible flow of current to and from the supercapacitor 1500.
  • Nano Graphene Oxide (NGO) doping or spray coating 360 on the electrodes 1530 and 1540 can enhance conductivity and provides high capacitive characteristics to the Supercapacitor using the nano flakes 360 with exceedingly high reactive surface to volume ratio.
  • FIG. 16 illustrates schematically the operation of a supercapacitor system 1600 which can include the supercapacitor 1500 of FIG. 15 having a voltage source V 1610 inducing current i between the electrodes 1530 and 1540 that include NGO flakes 360. Thereby, the capacitances Cl 1621 and C2 1622 are increased compared to the prior art.
  • FIG. 17 illustrates another supercapacitor system 1700 having NGO flake doped or spray coated electrodes 1730, 1740 charging and discharging between voltage source V 1720 and load 1710 through electrolyte 1750.
  • Nickel zinc batteries are known for their durability, reliability and cost effectiveness in the battery field.
  • FIG. 18 illustrates a nickel zinc battery 1800 that includes NGO powder or flakes 360 according to the disclosure.
  • Battery 1800 includes conventional components which include a cathode terminal 1810, anode terminal 1812, an insulating washer 1814, a steel cover 1816, a wax seal 1818, a sand cushion 1820, and a carbon rod electrode 1822.
  • NFI4CL ZnCL2 NFI4CL ZnCL2, Mn02 paste 1824 is contained internally.
  • the battery 1800 further includes a porous separator 1826.
  • a zinc can 1828 serves as the anode and is wrapped in wrapper 1830.
  • NGO flakes or powder 360 can be applied to the internal anodic side of anode 1828.
  • the double-sided coated cathode carbon rod 1822 can include the NGO flakes or powder 360.
  • NGO flakes or powder 360 to the anode 1828 and cathode 1822 thereby increases the power output of the batter 1800 due to the superior electrical conductivity and highly reactive surface to volume ratio.

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Abstract

An electrical device is disclosed that includes at least one electrode surface that includes nanographene oxide (NGO) flakes disposed on the electrode surface thereby increasing conductivity properties of the electrical device. The electrical device may include a proton-exchange membrane or polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell or an electrolyzer that each Includes at least one gas diffusion layer. The device may also include a supercapacitor or a battery. The NGO flakes may be disposed at least partially on a gas diffusion layer or a proton-exchange membrane or polymer electrolyte membrane, thereby increasing conductivity and catalytic properties of the applicable electrical device. The electrical device may be included within a system that includes a voltage source or a load. A method of manufacturing an electrical device includes sonicating a slurry that includes NGO flakes and applying the slurry as a coating on a surface of the electrical device.

Description

APPLYING NANO GRAPHENE OXIDE FLAKES TO ELECTRODE SURFACES
OF ELECTRICAL DEVICES
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority to and the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 63/202,675 by Hazem Tawfik filed on June 21, 2021, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to electrical devices and systems that include polymer electrolyte membrane or proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, electrolyzers, supercapacitors and batteries.
BACKGROUND
Platinum is an expensive precious metal which is widely used as catalyst for proton exchange membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cells in industry. Platinum is a major contributor to the high cost of these fuel cells.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure relates to a novel and non-obvious design and manufacturing method for electrical devices including PEM fuel cells, electrolyzers, supercapacitors and batteries by disposing less expensive and more efficient catalyst to enable the cost-effective storage and production of clean renewable energy Nano graphene oxide (Nano GO or NGO) is known for its high thermal and electrical conductivity and relatively low price. However, platinum, an expensive precious metal, is widely used as a catalyst for proton exchange membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cells.
The embodiments of the disclosure provide significant novel and non-obvious significant advantages in the design of a PEM hydrogen fuel cell by applying Nano Graphene Oxide (NGO) round flakes with a relatively high surface area to volume ratio, which thereby increases the rate of chemical reactions and electrical conductivity due to increased surface area.
More particularly, the disclosure relates to an electrical device comprising at least one electrode surface that includes nanographene oxide flakes disposed on said at least one electrode surface thereby increasing conductivity properties of the electrical device.
In an aspect, the electrical device is one of a proton-exchange membrane or polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell or an electrolyzer that each Includes at least one gas diffusion layer.
In an aspect, the nanographene oxide flakes are disposed at least partially on the at least one of the gas diffusion layer and the proton-exchange membrane or polymer electrolyte membrane, thereby increasing conductivity and catalytic properties of the one of a fuel cell and an electrolyzer.
In another aspect, the electrical device is a supercapacitor that includes nanographene oxide flakes disposed on said at least one electrical surface.
In still another aspect, the electrical device is a battery that includes nanographene oxide flakes disposed on said at least one electrode surface.
In another aspect, the electrical device excludes platinum catalyst. The present disclosure relates to an electrical system that includes At least one of a voltage source and a load; and
An electrical device comprising at least one electrode surface that includes nanographene oxide flakes disposed on said at least one surface thereby increasing conductivity properties of the electrical device, the voltage source configured and disposed to enable electrical communication with the electrical device.
In an aspect, the electrical device is one of a proton-exchange membrane or polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell and an electrolyzer that includes at least one gas diffusion layer.
In an aspect, the nanographene oxide flakes are disposed on the at least one of the gas diffusion layer and the proton-exchange membrane or polymer electrolyte membrane, thereby increasing conductivity and catalytic properties of the one of a fuel cell or electrolyzer.
In another aspect, the electrical device is a supercapacitor that includes nanographene oxide flakes disposed on said at least one electrical surface.
In still another aspect, the electrical device is a battery that includes nanographene oxide flakes disposed on said at least one surface.
In another aspect, the electrical device excludes platinum catalyst.
The present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing an electrical device, the electrical device comprising at least one electrode surface; and at least one proton exchange membrane formed of a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®) and perfluoro-3,6-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octene-sulfonic acid (Nafion™),
The method includes:
Sonicating a slurry composed of at least nanographene flakes, deionized water, and a liquid phase copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®) and perfluoro-3,6-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octene-sulfonic acid (Nafion™); and
Applying the slurry as a coating on at least a portion of at least one of a hydrogen oxidation anodic surface, an oxygen reduction cathodic surface and the proton exchange membrane thereby resulting in a coating layer of nanographene oxide on at least at portion of one of the hydrogen oxidation anodic surface, the oxygen reduction cathodic surface and the proton exchange membrane.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Various aspects of the disclosure are described herein below with reference to the drawings, wherein:
FIG.l illustrates the atomic structure of a graphene sheet, graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide;
FIG. 2 illustrates a fuel cell system having a fuel cell that includes a fuel reactants flow field configuration with an optimized square grid system according to the disclosure; FIG. 3 illustrates a fuel cell system and fuel cell according to the disclosure that includes nanographene oxide flakes or powder applied to various surfaces within the fuel cell;
FIG. 4 illustrates Table 1-Properties of the Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) Used for the Experimental Results;
FIG. 5 illustrates Table 2- Properties of Graphene Nano Oxide powder utilized for the Experimental Results; FIG. 6 illustrates the experimental preparation of the nano-graphene oxide solution;
FIG. 7 illustrates the sonication sequence and procedure;
FIG. 8 illustrates a cell fuel cell that was fabricated with active area Active area with nano graphene oxide added only to the cathodic electrode;
FIG. 9 illustrates an experimental testing station for measuring fuel cell power output and performance evaluation;
FIG. 10 illustrates another view of the experimental testing station of FIG. 9 for measuring fuel cell power output and performance evaluation;
FIG. 11 illustrates the membrane electrode assembly (MEA)of FIG. 3;
FIG. 12 illustrates the performance of the fuel cell system of FIG. 3 with and without the deposition of nano-graphene oxide showing the improvement in performance obtained by the application of the nano-graphene oxide powder or flakes;
FIG. 13 illustrates the operation of a Proton Exchange Membrane Flydrogen Fuel Cell according to the prior art;
FIG. 14. Illustrates operation of an electrolyzer that includes nanographene oxide flakes or powder according to the disclosure.
FIG. 15 illustrates a supercapacitor to which ISIGO flakes or powder can be applied according to the disclosure;
FIG. 16 illustrates a supercapacitor system to which NGO flakes or powder can be applied according to the disclosure;
FIG. 17 illustrates another supercapacitor system to which NGO flakes or powder can be applied according to the disclosure; and
FIG. 18 illustrates a nickel zinc battery that includes NGO powder or flakes according to the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The disclosure relates to replacing platinum totally or partially with the nano GO round flakes shape with exceedingly high surface area to volume ratio that has additionally imparted considerable catalytic functionality to these GO flakes layer structure. Catalytic functionality refers to reaction rate. An increase in catalytic functionality can occur due to increase in surface area. In supercapacitors, the high surface area to volume ratio increases the storage capacity of the supercapacitor.
FIG. 1 illustrates a graphene sheet single layer 100 of carbon atoms 101 linked by covalent bonds 102 in hexagonal shapes.
Graphene oxide (GO) 110 includes HOOC and COOH bonds 112, OH bonds 114 and oxygen bonds 116.
Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) 120 includes carbon atoms 101 joined by covalent bonds 102, OH bonds 114 and oxygen bonds 116. HOOC and COOH bonds 112 are not present, thereby leading to the terminology of reduced graphene oxide (rGO).
FIG. 2 illustrates a fuel cell system 200. Fuel cell system 200 includes a fuel cell 210.
Fuel cell system 200 includes a supply of hydrogen 9 and oxygen 10 from the air to the fuel cell 210 which results in an output current I at 220.
Fuel cell 210 includes a reactants flow field configuration with an optimized square grid system according to the disclosure. Reactants flow field configuration 1 with an optimized square grid arrangement.
Back bipolar plate 2 with reactants flow field configuration 1.
Gas diffusion layer 3 for the cathodic side of the cell - Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR).
Porous carbon electrodes 4 containing platinum catalyst at the cathodic side.
Porous carbon electrodes 5 containing platinum catalyst at the anodic side.
Nation membrane 6;
Gas diffusion layer 7 for the anodic side of the cell (Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction HOR);
Hydrogen gas inlet port 8;
Front bipolar plate with 9 reactants flow field configuration; and Air inlet port 10.
FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the present disclosure wherein fuel cell 300 includes a plurality of generally parallel adjacent rectangular structures including, as illustrated being oriented from left to right for discussion purposes and not limited to such orientation, hydrogen flow field 310 having outer surface 312 and inner surface 314.
Gas diffusion layer 320 has a first side or surface 322 interfacing inner surface 314 of hydrogen flow field or injection port 310 and a second side or surface 324 interfacing a first surface 332 of hydrogen oxidation electrode 330.
Second surface 334 of hydrogen oxidation electrode 330 interfaces first surface 342 of Nafion membrane 340. Second surface 344 of Nafion membrane 340 interfaces first surface 352 of oxygen reduction electrode 350.
Second surface 354 of oxygen reduction electrode 350 is typically coated with platinum catalyst 356, which also interfaces first surface 372 of gas diffusion layer 370.
Second surface 372 of gas diffusion layer 370 interfaces first or inner surface 382 of oxygen flow field or injection port 380 which includes a second or outer surface 384.
NGO flakes or powder 360 is illustrated symbolically as a small rectangle with respect to the adjacent structures of the oxygen reduction electrode 350 and the gas diffusion layer 370.
Current output I 390 is created between the hydrogen oxidation electrode 330 and the oxygen reduction electrode 350.
Hydrogen oxidation reaction anodic electrode 330, Nafion membrane 340, oxygen reduction reaction cathodic electrode 350, a coating layer 360 of nanographene oxide (NGO) flakes 360 disposed on, or in contact with, at least a portion of gas diffusion layer 370 and/or 320, the oxygen reduction reaction cathodic electrode 350, gas diffusion layer 370, and oxygen flow field 380.
In one or more aspects, the PEM fuel cell 300 is configured or includes NGO powder or flakes 360 disposed in at least one or more of the following aspects. The disclosure is not limited to the following aspects.
• Gas Diffusion Layer GDL- 370 and/or 320 platinum coating 376 and/or 336 on 100% of one side 372, 374 and or 322, 324 of the GDL 370 and/or 320, respectively;
• NGO flakes 360 less than 100 nm long partially covering, e.g., 20% of, surface area of GDL 370 and/or 320 on opposite side 372 and/or 324 to platinum coating 376 and/or 336, respectively.
•
• GDL 370 and/or 320-platinum coating 376 and/or 336 on 100% of one side 372, 374 and/or 322, 324 of GDL 370 and/or 320, respectively;
• NGO flakes less than 100 nm long 360 covering 100% of surface area of GDL 370 and/or 320 on side 372 and/or 324 opposite to platinum coating 376 and/or 336.
•
• GDL-370 and/or 320 platinum coating 376 and/or 336 on less than 100% of one side 372, 374 and/or 322, 324 of GDL 370 and/or 320, respectively;
• NGO flakes less than 100 nm long 360 partially covering, e.g., 20% or more of, surface area of GDL 370 and/or 320 on opposite or same side 372, 374 and/or 322, 324 of GDL 370 and/or 320, respectively of platinum coating 376 and/or 336.
•
• GDL 370 and/or 320-platinum coating 376 and/or 336 on less than 100% of one side 372, 374 and/or 322, 324 of GDL 370 and/or 320, respectively;
• NGO flakes less than 100 nm long 360 covering 100% of surface area of GDL on opposite side 370 and/or 320 on side 372 and/or 324.
•
• GDL370 and/or 320-ZERO platinum coating;
• NGO flakes less than 100 nm long 360 covering 100% of surface area of GDL 370 and/or 320 on opposite side 372 and/or 324. •
• GDL 370 and/or 320-ZERO platinum coating;
• NGO flakes less than 100 nm long 360 partially covering, e.g., 20% of, surface area of GDL 370 and/or 320 on opposite side.
•
• GDL 370 and/or 320-platinum coating 376 and/or 336 on 100% of one side of GDL 370 and/or 320;
• NGO flakes less than 100 nm long partially covering, e.g., 20% of, surface area of same or opposite side of GDL 370 and/or 320 as platinum coating.
•
• GDL 370 and/or 320- platinum loaded on 100% of one or both sides of GDL 370 and/or 320;
• NGO flakes less than 100 nm long/diam covering entire surface area of same side of GDL 370 and/or 320 as platinum coating.
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE AND RESULTS
A membrane electrode assembly (MEA), for the PEM hydrogen fuel cells according to the disclosure includes relatively inexpensive layers of nano GO flakes compared to platinum, to both the Anodes and Cathodes of the PEM hydrogen fuel cell. Preliminary experimental work showed 53% to 67% improvement in the power output when about 20% of the PEM fuel cell cathodic electrode's surface, which is made of carbon black catalyst support, was coated with slurry composed of sonicated nano GO, deionized water and liquid Nafion® (Chemours Inc.-suifonateci tetrsfluoroethylene-bssed fluoropoiymer-copoiymer), as shown in FIG. 1.
The PEM fuel cell includes a proton exchange electrolyte membrane sandwiched between an anode (negative electrode) and a cathode (positive electrode). The membrane sandwiched is technically termed as the Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) that includes Nafion® membrane, electrodes, catalyst loading, and gas diffusion layer pressed together.
Hydrogen fuel (H2) is admitted to the anode channels as the first reactant gas, where the HOR takes place in the presence of the catalyst, causing the splitting of hydrogen's negatively charged electrons from the positively charged protons. The membrane allows the positively charged protons to pass through to the cathode, but not the negatively charged electrons. The negatively charged electrons must flow around the membrane through an external circuit. This flow of electrons forms an electrical current. Meanwhile, at the cathode, the negatively charged electrons and positively charged hydrogen ions (protons) combine with oxygen under the ORR and the presence of the catalyst to form water (H20) and heat.
The two most essential and expensive parts of a PEMFC are the platinum catalyst and the Membrane Exchange Assembly. The Membrane is normally made from Nafion®, a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®) and perfluoro-3,6-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octene-sulfonic acid (Nafion). Platinum is an extremely expensive material ($US 928.65/oz) (Platinum Prices, 2015), but Platinum works extremely well with Nafion due to their mutual relationship. Platinum allows for the high transfer of protons across the membrane and the rapid exchange of hydrogen molecules to ions.
Therefore, the present disclosure relates to the following: • Enabling the effect of nano-graphene oxide on the oxygen reduction reaction ORR activity of platinum electro-catalyst and the overall influence on fuel cell performance, when it is added to the carbon black catalyst support in the cathodic side.
• Demonstrating percentage effect on the cost of the fuel cell by reducing the amount of platinum- based catalysts as a precious metal.
Since the manufacturing of the MEA is time consuming, two pieces of a 5-layer MEA were purchased from Fuel Cell Store with customized dimensions.
D520 Nation Dispersion with Alcohol based 1000 EW at 5 wt.% is known as Chemours (DuPont) Nation® which is a polymer dispersion made from chemically stabilized perfluoro sulfonic acid (PFSA) / polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) copolymer in the acid (Fl+) form, and are available in several polymer content and dispersant compositions, referred to as tetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®) and perfluoro-3,6- dioxa-4-methyl-7-octene-sulfonic acid (Nation™) Typical uses include fabrication of thin films and coating formulations for fuel cell membranes, catalyst coating, sensors, and a variety of electrochemical applications. In fuel cell applications, Nafion D520 Dispersion (a diluted, liquid form of the same chemical used for a PEM fuel cell membrane) drastically reduces the amount of platinum needed as a catalyst by exposing a larger fraction of the platinum to the hydrogen gas. Also, the Nafion acts as a binding agent to hold the platinum, membrane, and gas diffusion layer together.
Platinum is part of the platinum group metals (PGM). These include platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), osmium (Os), rhodium (Rh), ruthenium (Ru) and iridium (Ir). Rhenium has also been suggested as a catalyst for fuel cells.
Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a novel and non-obvious method to increase the power output of PEM fuel cells while at the same time reducing the manufacturing costs.
As such, nanographene oxide-nano GO, may be applied as well to fuel cells which employ other catalysts such as palladium or rhenium or related catalysts to also increase the power output of PEM fuel cells while at the same time reducing the manufacturing costs.
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE DETAILS
1) Sonicated Slurry was prepared composed of nano graphene flakes, deionized water, Nafion liquid, and other materials.
2) The slurry was applied and coated on the following components of a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Hydrogen Fuel Cell that includes: the Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL), the Catalyst support layer, electrodes, and other components of the PEMFC.
3) The fuel cell performance and power output using only 20% surface coated fuel cell's components with this slurry VS the uncoated was measured and compared to show 53% to 67% improvement in performance.
The details of the experimental procedure are as follows:
FIG. 4 illustrates Table 1-Properties of the Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) Used for the Experimental Results.
The properties disclosed include for Item 1, Part No. CTM-MBA-01, total quantity 1: • Membrane being of Nafion 212,
• Active Area of 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm,
• Total Area of Nafion - 7.4 cm x 7.4 cm
• Anode Catalyst- 0.5 mg/cmA3 Pt/c (60%)
• Cathode Catalyst - 0.5 mg/cmA3 Pt/c (60%)
• Anode Gas Diffusion Layer -GDL-CT
• Cathode Gas Diffusion Layer -GDL-Ct
FIG. 5 illustrates Table 2- Properties of Graphene Nano Oxide powder purchased from Graphene Supermarket (Ronkonkoma, New York, USA)
• ltem--Graphene Nano Oxide
• Diameter- 90 nm- 200 nm
• Thickness- About 1 nm
• Single Layer Ratio- >99%
• Purity >99%
• NOTE: Values provided by the manufacturer
FIG. 6 illustrates the experimental preparation 600 of the nano-graphene oxide solution:
Items needed: lOOmg of nano-graphene oxide powder 650, deionized water beaker 620, funnel 660, beaker, and pipette syringe 640 as shown in FIG. 6.
1) Experimental Procedure for nano graphene oxide preparation: a) Personal protection equipment 630 was worn for safety requirements. b) 40 ml of deionized water (Dl) was poured into the beaker 620. c) The container 650 carrying the nano graphene oxide was opened and immediately covered with the funnel 660 in an upside-down position. This is to prevent the Nano Graphene Oxide particles from escaping into the atmosphere due to their minimal weight. d) 25 ml of Dl water was transferred from the beaker 620 into the graphene container 650 using the pipette 640 via a funnel 660. e) The solution was then poured into an empty beaker (not shown) for sonication. Sonicator 605 was set to run for 120 minutes under 23°C temperature.
FIG. 7 illustrates the sonication sequence and procedure 700.
In step 710, a container 712 includes solution 714.
In step 720, the solution 714 is placed inside the sonicator 605 for 120 minutes under 23°C temperature. In step 730, following sonication, the now sonicated solution 714' is poured inside a flask 740. NOTE: THE ENTIRE PROCEDURE WAS PERFORMED UNDER A HOOD TO LIMIT THE EFFECT OF NGO diffusion by AIR.
FIG. 8 illustrates one cell fuel cell 800 that was fabricated with active area Active area of 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm, nano graphene oxide added only to the cathodic electrode platinum catalyst is typically applied in concentrated quantities.
FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 illustrate a complete experimental testing station 900 for measuring fuel cell power output and performance evaluation. a Testing station 900 was assembled to measure the power output of the PEM fuel cell 800 with the addition of the nano-graphene oxide to the carbon black as the catalyst support on the cathodic electrode. Testing station 900 includes the following items: a) 2- Liter hydrogen tank 910. b) One PEM 800 active area of 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm used for testing with and without nano-graphene oxide c) DC Electronic load tester 920 d) Hydrogen pressure flow regulators 1010 Experimental procedure for evaluating fuel performance: a) 1.45psig (1.093 bar) of hydrogen gas was supplied to the anode side of the fuel cell 800 while supplying 2 psig (1.151 bar) of air/oxygen to the cathode. b) The test was run for the above set parameters and repeated 4 times for each run for better accuracy. c) Sniffer 1040 was used to detect any leak of hydrogen gas during the process to the surrounding area as an indication for any necessary adjustments need to be made for safety purposes. d) DC electronic load machine 920 was used to display the voltage, current and power output of the fuel cell 800 on a computer screen. e) The multimeter DC electronic load machine 920 was used to confirm/check the values displayed on the computer and obtained by the electronic load. f) This test was performed under a hood for additional safety.
FIG. 11 illustrates the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 310 of FIG. 3
5) Procedure for evaluating the Fuel Cell performance with the addition of nano-graphene solution in liquid Nation as shown in the following: a) 5ml of the Nation liquid was mixed with 5ml of the sonicated nano-graphene oxide. b) The mixture was shaken rigorously until a uniform mixture was obtained. c) 5 drops of the mixture were deposited via qpplicator 1110 on the side designated as the cathodic end 372 of the ME A (MEA) 310 of FIG. 3. d) The drops on the MEA were allowed to dry before utilizing the fuel cell assembly 310 of FIG. 3 for testing setup as described .
Results:
Referring to FIG. 12, the performance of the fuel cell system 300 of FIG. 3 with and without the deposition of nano-graphene oxide is depicted. It is observed that power increases with increasing current. X-axis 1210 presents Current in Amps/in. L2 in units of 0.001 at the origin to 0.009 at the extreme right.
Y-axis 1220 presents Power in Watts/in. L2 in units of 0.0010 with 0.0000 at the origin
The power curve for the graph with no graphene application 1230 increased from 0.006W/inA2 to 0.0035 W/inA2 meanwhile the graph with graphene on the cathodic side 1240 increased from 0.008 W/inA2 to 0.0052 W/inA2 indicating a 67% increase in power output. This is considered a significant enhancement in the cell performance.
FIG. 13 illustrates the operation of a Proton Exchange Membrane Flydrogen Fuel Cell 1300 according to the prior art. Although Proton Exchange Membrane Flydrogen Fuel Cell 1300 illustrates the prior art, the embodiments of such proton exchange membrane fuel cells operate in a similar manner to that of the novel Proton Exchange Membrane Systems 200 of FIG. 2 and 300 of FIG. 3 of the disclosure.
Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell 1300 is a system that converts chemical energy to electrical energy. It receives hydrogen at one side (the Anodic side)as shown above in FIGS. 2 and 3 above. A platinum catalyst enables the splitting of hydrogen atom to hydrogen ions and electrons. The Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) only allows the ions ( Protons) to pass through the membrane from the anodic side to the cathodic side. Meanwhile, the elections are caused to proceed to the cathode through an electric circuit creating electric current.
The catalyst is typically made of platinum which is an expensive precious metal.
According to embodiments of the disclosure, as previously illustrated and described with respect to FIG. 3, Nano Graphene Oxide (NGO) is applied at various locations to lower the overall price of the fuel cell system and enhance its commercialization as an electric power system.
FIG. 14. Illustrates operation of an electrolyzer 1400 that includes nanographene oxide flakes or powder according to the disclosure.
Electrolyzers include an anode and a cathode separated by an electrolyte.
In a polymer electrolyte member or proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer, the electrolyte is a solid specialty plastic material.
Water reacts at the anode to form oxygen and positively charged hydrogen ions (protons). The electrons flow through an external circuit and the hydrogen ions selectively move across the PEM to the cathode.
At the cathode, hydrogen ions combine with electrons from the external circuit to form hydrogen gas. Anode reaction: 2H20 yields 02 +4H+ + 4e_
Cathode reaction: 4H+ + 4e- yields 2H2
More particularly, operation of electrolyzer 1400 is as follows:
Water H201410 enters at port 1412 and passes through port 1414a in anode 1414.
A voltage is applied by voltage source 1416 between anode 1414 and cathode 1418.
At anode 1414, the oxygen 02 1410' in the water H20 1410 is converted to oxygen 02 and passes through port 1414b and then through port 1420.
Hydrogen ions H+ 1422 pass through a membrane 1424 and are converted to 2H2 1410" at port 1426.
NGO flakes 360 of FIG. 3 can be deposited on the membrane 1424 or the cathode 1418 or anode 1414 and some or all simultaneously.
The location of the NGO flakes or powder 360 on the internal components of the Electrolyzer is very similar to the PEM fuel cell and is mainly located on the gas diffusion layer 1431 on the cathodic side and the gas diffusion layer 1432 on the anodic side respectively and the electrode 1441, 1442 of the cathodic and anodic side respectively.
FIGS. 15-17 illustrate supercapacitors to which NGO flakes or powder 360 can be applied according to the disclosure.
Supercapacitors utilize electrostatic double-layer capacitance (typically made of carbon) and electromechanical pseudo-capacitance (metal oxide or conducting polymer). Both contribute to the capacitor's total capacitance and are designed for many rapid charge/discharge cycles over long-term energy storage. More particularly, referring to FIG. 15, supercapacitor 1500 is illustrated having a capacitor body 1510 that encloses double-side coated inner electrode 1530 and outer electrode 1540.
Electrodes 1530 and 1540 are separated from each other by porous paper separator 1550. Outer electrode 1540 is separated from the outer portion of the capacitor body 1510 by porous paper separator 1560.
Connecting terminals 1571 and 1572 enable the reversible flow of current to and from the supercapacitor 1500.
Nano Graphene Oxide (NGO) doping or spray coating 360 on the electrodes 1530 and 1540 can enhance conductivity and provides high capacitive characteristics to the Supercapacitor using the nano flakes 360 with exceedingly high reactive surface to volume ratio. FIG. 16 illustrates schematically the operation of a supercapacitor system 1600 which can include the supercapacitor 1500 of FIG. 15 having a voltage source V 1610 inducing current i between the electrodes 1530 and 1540 that include NGO flakes 360. Thereby, the capacitances Cl 1621 and C2 1622 are increased compared to the prior art.
FIG. 17 illustrates another supercapacitor system 1700 having NGO flake doped or spray coated electrodes 1730, 1740 charging and discharging between voltage source V 1720 and load 1710 through electrolyte 1750.
Nickel zinc batteries are known for their durability, reliability and cost effectiveness in the battery field.
FIG. 18 illustrates a nickel zinc battery 1800 that includes NGO powder or flakes 360 according to the disclosure.
Battery 1800 includes conventional components which include a cathode terminal 1810, anode terminal 1812, an insulating washer 1814, a steel cover 1816, a wax seal 1818, a sand cushion 1820, and a carbon rod electrode 1822.
NFI4CL ZnCL2, Mn02 paste 1824 is contained internally.
The battery 1800 further includes a porous separator 1826.
A zinc can 1828 serves as the anode and is wrapped in wrapper 1830.
NGO flakes or powder 360 can be applied to the internal anodic side of anode 1828.
The double-sided coated cathode carbon rod 1822 can include the NGO flakes or powder 360.
Application of the NGO flakes or powder 360 to the anode 1828 and cathode 1822 thereby increases the power output of the batter 1800 due to the superior electrical conductivity and highly reactive surface to volume ratio.
Persons skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary aspects of the disclosure. It is envisioned that the elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and features of another without departing from the scope of the disclosure. As well, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the disclosure based on the above-described aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:
1. An electrical device comprising at least one electrode surface that includes nanographene oxide flakes disposed on said at least one electrode surface thereby increasing conductivity properties of the electrical device.
2. The electrical device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical device is one of a proton- exchange membrane or polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell or an electrolyzer that each Includes at least one gas diffusion layer.
3. The electrical device according to claim 2, wherein the nanographene oxide flakes are disposed at least partially on the at least one of the gas diffusion layer and the proton-exchange membrane or polymer electrolyte membrane, thereby increasing conductivity and catalytic properties of the one of a fuel cell and an electrolyzer.
4. The electrical device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical device is a supercapacitor that includes nanographene oxide flakes disposed on said at least one electrical surface.
5. The electrical device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical device is a battery that includes nanographene oxide flakes disposed on said at least one electrode surface.
6. The electrical device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical device excludes platinum catalyst.
7. An electrical system comprising:
At least one of a voltage source and a load; and
An electrical device comprising at least one electrode surface that includes nanographene oxide flakes disposed on said at least one surface thereby increasing conductivity properties of the electrical device, the voltage source configured and disposed to enable electrical communication with the electrical device.
8. The electrical system according to claim 7, wherein the electrical device is one of a proton- exchange membrane or polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell and an electrolyzer that includes at least one gas diffusion layer.
9. The electrical system according to claim 8, wherein the nanographene oxide flakes are disposed on the at least one of the gas diffusion layer and the proton-exchange membrane or polymer electrolyte membrane, thereby increasing conductivity and catalytic properties of the one of a fuel cell or electrolyzer.
10. The electrical system according to claim 7, wherein the electrical device is a supercapacitor that includes nanographene oxide flakes disposed on said at least one electrical surface.
11. The electrical system according to claim 7, wherein the electrical device is a battery that includes nanographene oxide flakes disposed on said at least one surface.
12. The electrical system according to claim 7, wherein the electrical device excludes platinum catalyst.
13. A method of manufacturing an electrical device, the electrical device comprising at least one electrode surface; and at least one proton exchange membrane formed of a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®) and perfluoro-3,6-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octene-sulfonic acid (Nafion™), the method comprising:
Sonicating a slurry composed of at least nanographene flakes, deionized water, and a liquid phase copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®) and perfluoro-3,6-dioxa-4-methyl-7- octene-sulfonic acid (Nafion™); and
Applying the slurry as a coating on at least a portion of at least one of a hydrogen oxidation anodic surface, an oxygen reduction cathodic surface and the proton exchange membrane thereby resulting in a coating layer of nanographene oxide on at least at portion of one of the hydrogen oxidation anodic surface, the oxygen reduction cathodic surface and the proton exchange membrane.
PCT/US2022/034420 2021-06-21 2022-06-21 Applying nano graphene oxide flakes to electrode surfaces of electrical devices WO2022271757A1 (en)

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090020734A1 (en) * 2007-07-19 2009-01-22 Jang Bor Z Method of producing conducting polymer-transition metal electro-catalyst composition and electrodes for fuel cells
US20090061191A1 (en) * 2007-09-04 2009-03-05 Aruna Zhamu Recompressed exfoliated graphite articles

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090020734A1 (en) * 2007-07-19 2009-01-22 Jang Bor Z Method of producing conducting polymer-transition metal electro-catalyst composition and electrodes for fuel cells
US20090061191A1 (en) * 2007-09-04 2009-03-05 Aruna Zhamu Recompressed exfoliated graphite articles

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Title
TAWFIK HAZEM, YEONG RYU: "EXPERIMENTAL TESTING OF THE PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE (PEM) HYDROGEN FUEL CELL PERFORMANCE WITH NANO-GRAPHENE OXIDE", 2020 ASEE VIRTUAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE CONTENT ACCESS, ASEE, 22 June 2020 (2020-06-22) - 26 June 2020 (2020-06-26), pages 1 - 10, XP093021182, DOI: 10.18260/1-2--34633 *

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