New generation of alcohol fuel cells as a source of energy: synthesis and applications of new-chirality (6,5 and 7,6) carbon nanotube-based nanomaterials to increase the efficiency of their energy

Fuel cells which are one of the most important renewable energy sources are the most important features of energy systems due to the low rate of environmental pollution, very high energy generation efficiency and no need any climatic conditions. There are various types of fuel cells. Direct methanol fuel cells (DMYP) which is the most important member of the family of alcohol fuel cell, is seen as one of the most suitable energy converters for portable power generation. However, some of the nanomaterials should be used as catalysts for practical use of fuel cells. Forthis purpose, in this study, single chirality carbon nanotube decorated Pt nanoparticles(Pt(0)/ PA@(6,5)CNT, Pt (0)/PA@(7,6) CNT and Pt(0)/ PA @(6,5)(7,6)CNT)have been reproducibly and easily synthesized by using sonochemical reduction methodas heteregenous catalysts at room temperature. The prepared nanocatalystshave been characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Ultraviolet Spectroscopy (UV), Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Chronoamperometry (CA) techniques. Besides, electrocatalytic performance of these catalysts were also examined towards methanol oxidation reactions. The catalytic activity of Pt(0)/PA@(6,5)CNT, Pt(0)/PA@(7,6)CNT and Pt(0)/PA(6,5)(7,5)CNT have been found to be 28.76 mA cm-2at 0.47 V, 0, 49.10 mA cm-2at 0.46 V and 130.04 mA cm-2 at 0.73V, respectively. All preparad catalysts have been homogeneously distributed on the carbon nanotubes and their average particle sizes were found to be 2-3 nm by the help of TEM. Keywords: Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), Electrochemical activities, Nanocatalyst, Platinum nanoparticles, Carbon nanotube, Chiral.