Ultrasonic synthesis of borophene as a 2D electrode material with high electrocatalytic activity for use in fuel cell applications
Ramazan Bayat,
Neslihan Esra Celik,
Merve Akin,
Muhammed Bekmezci,
Ebru Halvaci,
Tugba Simsek,
Güray Kaya,
Fatih Sen
Affiliations
Ramazan Bayat
Sen Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Dumlupinar University, 43000, Kutahya, Turkey; SRG Incorporated Company, Kutahya Design & Technopole, Calca OSB Neighbourhood, 43100 Kutahya, Turkey; Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dumlupinar University, Evliya Celebi Campus, 43000, Kutahya, Turkey
Neslihan Esra Celik
Sen Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Dumlupinar University, 43000, Kutahya, Turkey; Istek Kutahya College, Osmangazi Neighboorhood, 43100 Kutahya, Turkey
Merve Akin
Sen Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Dumlupinar University, 43000, Kutahya, Turkey; SRG Incorporated Company, Kutahya Design & Technopole, Calca OSB Neighbourhood, 43100 Kutahya, Turkey; Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dumlupinar University, Evliya Celebi Campus, 43000, Kutahya, Turkey
Muhammed Bekmezci
Sen Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Dumlupinar University, 43000, Kutahya, Turkey; SRG Incorporated Company, Kutahya Design & Technopole, Calca OSB Neighbourhood, 43100 Kutahya, Turkey; Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dumlupinar University, Evliya Celebi Campus, 43000, Kutahya, Turkey
Ebru Halvaci
Sen Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Dumlupinar University, 43000, Kutahya, Turkey
Tugba Simsek
Sen Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Dumlupinar University, 43000, Kutahya, Turkey; Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dumlupinar University, Evliya Celebi Campus, 43000, Kutahya, Turkey
Güray Kaya
Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dumlupinar University, Evliya Celebi Campus, 43000, Kutahya, Turkey
Fatih Sen
Sen Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Dumlupinar University, 43000, Kutahya, Turkey; SRG Incorporated Company, Kutahya Design & Technopole, Calca OSB Neighbourhood, 43100 Kutahya, Turkey; Corresponding author.
Green energy systems must be able to provide a significant proportion of the energy needed to meet the ever-increasing demand for energy. Fuel cells are a promising solution to bridge the gap in the green energy transition. This study aims to enhance the energy efficiency of fuel cells by utilizing 2D supported nanocatalysts in the anode compartment. Borophene was synthesized using the liquid phase exfoliation method to be used as a support structure due to its superior properties. To use borophene as a supporting material in methanol fuel cells, a borophene-palladium hybrid structure (Pd@Borophene) was prepared using the chemical reduction method. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the obtained particle had a partially formed layered structure. The electrocatalytic activity of the Pd@Borophene was investigated through anodic reactions in Direct Methanol Alcohol Fuel Cells (DMFC). Electrochemical analyses were conducted to compare the effect of borophene on Pd and Pd@borophene nanocatalysts on the anodic reaction. The anodic peak current value of methanol oxidation for Pd@borophene was found to be 24.3 mA/cm2, which is approximately four times higher than that of unsupported Pd nanoparticles. Additionally, the ratio of forward current (If) to reverse current (Ib), which serves as an indicator of catalyst poisoning, was determined to be 2.27. This study contributes significant findings to the literature by demonstrating that borophene, an advanced 2D material, can be synthesized using a low-cost liquid phase exfoliation method and can be utilized in fuel cell applications for energy generation.
