Functionalizing monolayer graphene as a proton-selective membrane for direct methanol fuel cells

Zhang, W. (2023)

Doctoral Thesis

This thesis focused on the exploration of monolayer graphene as a membrane in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications, with improvements achieved through plasma exposure or damage- free chemical functionalization. The advancements in low-dimensional materials (LDMs) have unveiled a new era where artificial membranes can regulate ion transport with atomic precision.The trade-off between selectivity and conductivity, which has impeded the development of proton exchange membranes, has been overcome through monolayer graphene, making it applicable in large-scale devices such as DMFCs. This work has the potential to solve many challenges faced by devices requiring proton exchange membranes, extending beyond fuel cells.

• Proton exchange membrane
• Fuel cell
• Graphene
• Ion transport
• Oxygen reduction
• Methanol oxidation

• All authors: Zhang, W.
• Supervisor: Schneider, G.F.; Kros, A.
• Committee: Ubbink, M.; Bonnet, S.A.; Radenovic, A.; Feng, X.; Ruitenbeek, J.M. van; Hetterscheid, D.G.H.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC), Faculty of Science, Leiden University
• Date: 2023-12-06
• ISBN (print): 9789493289406