This document summarizes Columbian Chemicals' work with multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), called NanoBlackTM, for fuel cell applications. NanoBlackTM MWCNTs enable cost-effective, durable electrocatalysts like DURA-lyst® that show improved performance over traditional platinum catalysts. NanoBlackTM is also used to develop advanced gas diffusion layers and bipolar plates with enhanced properties for fuel cells.
6. Substrate A. Oberlin, M. Endo and T. Koyama, Journal of Crystal Growth, 32, 335-349 (1976). Growth Model Hydrocarbon Supply Metal catalyst Hydrocarbon Supply Metal catalyst Hydrocarbon Supply Metal catalyst Hydrocarbon Supply Metal catalyst Hydrocarbon Supply Metal catalyst Hydrocarbon Supply Metal catalyst Hydrocarbon Supply Metal catalyst Hydrocarbon Supply Metal catalyst Hydrocarbon Supply Metal catalyst
7. Two Forms of NanoBlack TM Orientation of graphitic planes in nanostrucutres are system specific : dependent upon feed gas composition, synthesis temperature, catalyst composition. NanoBlack TM Platelet NanoBlack TM Tubular
8. Portfolio of NanoBlack TM Products Tubular (II) Platelet ( ┴ ) Single Wall Nanotubes High Surface Area (HSF) Spiral (S)
20. NanoBlack™ GDL NanoBlack™ GDL performance is as good as competitive product under wet condition, Columbian GDL’s is significantly better than competitive product under dry conditions.
21. Unique High Strength Carbon Paper Microporous Paper Composition: 92 % NanoBlack TM 8 % UHMWPE Thickness: 100um Resistivity: 4.34 ohm-cm Thermal Conductivity: 7 W/m-K Very Good Physical Properties High Tensile Strength 40X Magnification 40,000X Magnification
If nothing else in the synthesis of NCM, it is the catalyst that ultimately determines the quality, quantity, and overall structure of the final products. It is most important to realize that careful control of the synthesis and treatment of the catalyst prior to synthesis of NCMs is necessary to achieve the desired results. Above is a simple illustration of the various types of NCMs obtained from identical conditions (CO/H 2 feed gas, 600°C) but with different catalysts. The left structure is a platelet structure, where the graphite is oriented perpendicular to the fiber axis; the middle is a fishbone structure with graphite planes oriented at some angle with respect to the fiber axis; and the final right structure is a tubular structure (nanotube) with graphite planes forming a hollow cylinder. Each catalyst used in the reaction is different: iron (Fe) for platelets, iron-nickel (FeNi) for fishbone, and cobalt (Co) for tubular.