Noncovalent Functionalization of Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes Using Alternate Layer-By-Layer Polyelectrolyte Adsorption for Nanocomposite Fuel Cell Electrodes

摘要

Electrodes which are resistant to chemical poisoning by CO, S, and other fuel impurities are needed to replace Pt in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. We have designed composite electrodes comprised of single walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) within a conducting polymer matrix. A method for solubilizing single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in aqueous media using polyelectrolyte layer-by-layer (LbL) nanoassembly of polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) and polyallylamine (PAH) at the CNT surface is elucidated. Once soluble, the CNTs were assembled onto planar substrates using alternate LbL nanoassembly to form nanocomposite films. These films will later be tested for their potential as alternative anodes in proton exchange membrane fuel cells.