Use of Conductive Polymer as Polyelectrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Electrodes and in Situ Hydrogen Gas Photogenerator

Abstract

Polyelectrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) was fabricated using Nafion membrane and graphite cloth as electrodes. The parameters involved in the design and component parts of the fabricated PEMFC are currently being optimized to generate the maximum potential/current output.

Polypyrrole, as a substitute to the expensive graphite cloth electrodes, was grown on textile using aqueous solution of pyrrole oxidized on silanyzed cotton to form the conductive polymer. This polymerization technique makes it possible to dope the electrode with Pt catalyst in a single step process. In addition, photosensitizer such as methyl viologen anion may be deposited onto the polymer matrix to give it a H2 gas photogenerating capability when used as PEMFC anodic surface.