Enhancing AEM Fuel Cell Performance Using Partially Reduced Graphene Oxide

Alkaline Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (AEMFC) are crucial in sustainable energy research, noted for their higher power output compared to proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Current efforts focus on improving efficiency and stability, particularly addressing challenges like Platinum ion migration. This study explores graphene oxide (GO) and partially reduced graphene oxide (prGO) at various concentrations (6, 12, 15, 18, and 21 mmol NaBH4) to enhance AEMFC performance. XRD results indicated that the 21 mmol prGO had a higher oxidation level than the 12 mmol prGO. Air-spraying prGO solutions onto Sustainion membranes showed that the 12 mmol prGO sample achieved a maximum power density of 0.604 W/cm², a 48.8% increase over the control. The 12 mmol prGO-coated membranes outperformed GO by 92 mW/cm².We also examined performance with only the anode or cathode coated with 12 mmol prGO. The anode-only sample had an 18.23% increase, while the cathode-only sample showed an 8.87% increase. The highest performance was achieved when both sides of the Sustainion membrane were coated, indicating a positive synergistic effect. Durability tests showed the control sample lasted 78 hours under constant current before voltage dropped below 0.1V, while the 12 mmol prGO sample lasted over 130 hours, achieving a 66.7% improvement in fuel cell life. Our study suggests that prGO, especially at 12 mmol, significantly enhances AEMFC performance and durability, leading to significant improvements in peak power density.