Mangrove Root-Inspired Carbon Nanotube Film for Micro-Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

作者：Ke, Yuzhi; Li, Jinguang; Yuan, Wei^*; Chen, Yu; Zhao, Bote; Tang, Zhenghua; Wu, Xuyang; Zhang, Shiwei; Tang, Yong

来源：ACS applied materials & interfaces, 2022, 14(17): 19897-19906.

DOI：10.1021/acsami.2c03329

• mangrove root-inspired structure
• microporous layer
• micro-direct methanol fuel cells
• interface design
• carbon nanotube

The functional microporous layer, acting as a mass-transfer control medium with a rational structure and surface morphology as well as high electrical conductivity, significantly affects the performance of micro-direct methanol fuel cells (mu DMFCs). Bioinspired by the architecture and multi-functional properties of mangrove roots, this study develops a simple and versatile strategy based on magnetron sputtering and chemical vapor deposition to fabricate a mangrove rootinspired carbon nanotube film (MR-CNTF) as the functional interface in mu DMFCs. It has features such as ultralightweight, high porosity, and good electrical conductivity. During the synthesis process, an apex-growth model of CNTF is identified. The results indicate that the MR-CNTF used as a cathodic microporous layer can remarkably facilitate the oxygen transport and water management. Because of its multi-functional structure and excellent material characteristics, the passive mu DMFC displays a peak power density of 14.9 mW cm-2 at 68 mA cm-2. This value is 88.6% higher than the highest power density of the one based on a carbon nanotube array (7.9 mW cm-2) and 45% higher than that of the conventional carbon black (10.7 mW cm-2). We believe that this novel material with its multifunctional structure illuminates a promising application for fuel cells and other energy storage and conversion devices.