Download or read book Development of Novel Nano structured Materials with Low cost and High Stability for PEM Fuel Cell written by Dongsheng Geng and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are non-polluting and efficient energy conversion devices that are expected to play a dominant role in energy solutions of the future. However, due to high cost and known degradation issue of Pt electrocatalyst, more durable, efficient, and inexpensive electrocatalysts are required before fuel cells can become commercially viable. This research is revolving around the development of electrocatalysts such as non-noble metal oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst, new alternative supports, and novel Pt nanostructures to address the above-mentioned challenges in PEMFCs. Firstly, we report the synthesis of nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes (CNx) and nitrogen doped graphene (N-graphene) with the various nitrogen contents. The relationship between structures and ORR activity is investigated in detail. We identified the real active site by the study. Most importantly, CNx and N-graphene have the comparable ORR activity even the improved durability compared with a platinum-based catalyst, showing the potential to replace costly Pt/C catalyst in alkaline fuel cells. Secondly, due to the advantages of N-graphene as not only a support of Pt but the non-noble metal ORR catalyst, we developed three different methods to prepare it: (i) post-treatment of graphene with ammonia (ii) from CNx to N-graphene directly (iii) one-step solvothermal process. Especially, by the solvothermal method, for the first time, nanoflower-like N-graphene was obtained with pure sp2 hybridized carbon and the controllable nitrogen types. Importantly, the synthesized materials exhibit much higher durability as Pt support for fuel cells than commercial carbon powder. Thirdly, previous results have shown that star-like Pt nanowires have both good catalytic activity and durability for ORR. However, there is a limitation in scale up and the controlling length and shape of Pt nanowire for previous method. Here we report a universal method to address the challenge. It is a very simple, green and efficient wet chemical route without any surfactant and template to produce urchin-shaped Pt nanostructures in high yield. In summary, the discoveries in this thesis contribute to development of fuel cell cathode electrocatalysts and make the improvement in electrocatalyst cost and stability.
Download or read book Development of Novel Nanomaterials for High performance and Low cost Fuel Cell Applicatgions written by Shuhu Sun and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are promising energy converting technologies to generate electricity by mainly using hydrogen as a fuel, producing water as the only exhaust. However, short life-time and high cost of Pt catalyst are the main obstacles for the commercialization of PEMFCs. In the conventional carbon black upported platinum nanoparticle (NP) commercial catalyst, carbon supports are prone to oxidation and corrosion over time that results in Pt NPs migration, coalescence, even detaching from the catalyst support. In addition, Ostwald ripening of the Pt NPs could also occur due to their high surface energy and zero dimensional structural features. All these contribute to the degradation of fuel cell performance. This research aims at fabricating various advanced nanomaterials, including (1) Pt-based highly efficient nanocatalysts and (2) alternative nanostructured durable catalyst supports, to address the above-mentioned challenges in PEMFCs. It is well known that the catalytic activity and durability of Pt catalysts are highly dependent on their size and shape. In contrast to commercially-used Pt spherical nanoparticles, one-dimensional (1D) structures of Pt, such as nanowires (NWs), exhibit additional advantages associated with their anisotropy and unique structure. We first reported a new approach to address both activity and durability challenges of PEM fuel cells by using 1D Pt nanowires (PtNWs) as electrocatalyst. Pt NWs were synthesized via a very simple environmentally-friendly aqueous solution route at room temperature, without the need of heating, surfactants or complicated experimental apparatus. This novel PtNW nanostructure showed much improved activity and durability than the state-of-the-art commercial Pt/C catalyst which is made of Pt nanoparticles. Further, Pt NWs were grown on Sn@CNT nanocable support to form a novel 3D fuel-cell electrode (PtNW/Sn@CNT). This approach allows us to combine the advantages of both PtNW catalyst and Sn@CNT 3D nanocable support for fuel cell applications. The PtNW/Sn@CNT 3D electrodes showed greatly enhanced electrocatalytic activities for ORR, MOR and improved CO tolerance than commercial Pt/C nanoparticle catalyst. To save more platinum, ultrathin Pt NWs with even smaller diameters of 2.5 nm (vs. 4 nm reported in our previous work) have been successfully synthesized when using N-doped CNTs as support. Direct evidence for the formation of ultrathin Pt NWs was provided by systematically investigating their growth process under TEM. Nitrogen doping in CNTs played a key role in the formation of ultrathin Pt nanowires. In terms of low durability of PEM fuel cell catalysts, the corrosion of current commonly-used carbon black support materials have been identified to be the major contributor to the catalyst failure. One of the major challenges lies in the development of inexpensive, efficient, and highly durable alternative catalyst supports that possess high corrosion resistance, high conductivity and high surface area. In this work, a series of promising alternative nanostructured catalyst supports, including 0D Nb-doped CNTs as support. Direct evidence for the formation of ultrathin Pt NWs was provided by systematically investigating their growth process under TEM. Nitrogen doping in CNTs played a key role in the formation of ultrathin Pt nanowires. In terms of low durability of PEM fuel cell catalysts, the corrosion of current commonly-used carbon black support materials have been identified to be the major contributor to the catalyst failure. One of the major challenges lies in the development of inexpensive, efficient, and highly durable alternative catalyst supports that possess high corrosion resistance, high conductivity and high surface area. In this work, a series of promising alternative nanostructured catalyst supports, including 0D Nb-doped TiO2 hollow nanospheres, 1D TiSix-NCNT nanostructures, and 2D graphene nanosheets, have been synthesized by various methods and used as catalyst supports. Pt nanoparticles were then deposited on these novel supports, showing enhanced catalytic activities and durabilities. Most interestingly, a new technique, atomic layer deposition (ALD), was used to uniformly deposit Pt nanoparticles, subnanometer clusters and single atoms on graphene nanosheets. Downsizing Pt nanoparticles to clusters or even single atoms could significantly increase their catalytic activity and is therefore highly desirable to maximize the efficiency. In summary, the discoveries in this thesis contribute to applying various novel nanostructured materials to design highly active and stable electrocatalyst and durable catalyst support to develop high performance and low cost PEM fuel cells.
Download or read book Nanostructured and Advanced Materials for Fuel Cells written by San Ping Jiang and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2013-12-07 with total page 584 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Boasting chapters written by leading international experts, Nanostructured and Advanced Materials for Fuel Cells provides an overview of the progress that has been made so far in the material and catalyst development for fuel cells. The book covers the most recent developments detailing all aspects of synthesis, characterization, and performance.It
Download or read book Nanostructured Functional and Flexible Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage Systems written by Alagarsamy Pandikumar and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2020-05-27 with total page 542 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Nanostructured, Functional, and Flexible Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage Systems gathers and reviews developments within the field of nanostructured functional materials towards energy conversion and storage. Contributions from leading research groups involved in interdisciplinary research in the fields of chemistry, physics and materials science and engineering are presented. Chapters dealing with the development of nanostructured materials for energy conversion processes, including oxygen reduction, methanol oxidation, oxygen evolution, hydrogen evolution, formic acid oxidation and solar cells are discussed. The work concludes with a look at the application of nanostructured functional materials in energy storage system, such as supercapacitors and batteries. With its distinguished international team of expert contributors, this book will be an indispensable tool for anyone involved in the field of energy conversion and storage, including materials engineers, scientists and academics. Covers the importance of energy conversion and storage systems and the application of nanostructured functional materials toward energy-relevant catalytic processes Discusses the basic principles involved in energy conversion and storage systems Presents the role of nanostructured functional materials in the current scenario of energy-related research and development
Download or read book Nanostructured Materials for Next Generation Energy Storage and Conversion written by Fan Li and published by Springer. This book was released on 2018-04-17 with total page 593 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The energy crisis and pollution have posed significant risks to the environment, transportation, and economy over the last century. Thus, green energy becomes one of the critical global technologies and the use of nanomaterials in these technologies is an important and active research area. This book series presents the progress and opportunities in green energy sustainability. Developments in nanoscaled electrocatalysts, solid oxide and proton exchange membrane fuel cells, lithium ion batteries, and photovoltaic techniques comprise the area of energy storage and conversion. Developments in carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and hydrogen (H2) storage using tunable structured materials are discussed. Design and characterization of new nanoscaled materials with controllable particle size, structure, shape, porosity and band gap to enhance next generation energy systems are also included. The technical topics covered in this series are metal organic frameworks, nanoparticles, nanocomposites, proton exchange membrane fuel cell catalysts, solid oxide fuel cell electrode design, trapping of carbon dioxide, and hydrogen gas storage.
Download or read book Nanostructured and Advanced Materials for Fuel Cells written by San Ping Jiang and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2013 with total page 582 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Boasting chapters written by leading international experts, Nanostructured and Advanced Materials for Fuel Cells provides an overview of the progress that has been made so far in the material and catalyst development for fuel cells. The book covers the most recent developments detailing all aspects of synthesis, characterization, and performance. It offers an overview on the principles, classifications, and types of fuels used in fuel cells, and discusses the critical properties, design, and advances made in various sealing materials. It provides an extensive review on the design, configuration, fabrication, modeling, materials, and stack performance of u-SOFC technology, and addresses the advancement and challenges in the synthesis, characterization, and fundamental understanding of the catalytic activity of nitrogen-carbon, carbon, and noncarbon-based electro catalysts for PEM fuel cells. The authors explore the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique, summarize the advancements in the fundamental understanding of the most successful Nafion membranes, and focus on the development of alternative and composite membranes for direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs). They also review current challenges and consider future development in the industry. Includes 17 chapters, 262 figures, and close to 2000 references Provides an extensive review of the carbon, nitrogen-carbon, and noncarbon-based electro catalysts for fuel cells Presents an update on the latest materials development in conventional fuel cells and emerging fuel cells This text is a single-source reference on the latest advances in the nano-structured materials and electro catalysts for fuel cells, the most efficient and emerging energy conversion technologies for the twenty-first century. It serves as a valuable resource for students, materials engineers, and researchers interested in fuel cell technology."
Download or read book Nanostructured Materials for Energy Storage written by Kalim Deshmukh and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2024-08-14 with total page 1981 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Comprehensive reference work for researchers and engineers working with advanced and emerging nanostructured battery and supercapacitor materials Lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors play a vital role in the paradigm shift towards sustainable energy technology. This book reviews how and why different nanostructured materials improve the performance and stability of batteries and capacitors. Sample materials covered throughout the work include: Graphene, carbon nanotubes, and carbon nanofibers MXenes, hexagonal boron nitride, and transition metal dichalcogenides Transition metal oxides, metal-organic frameworks, and lithium titanates Gel polymer electrolytes, hydrogels, and conducting polymer nanocomposites For materials scientists, electrochemists, and solid state chemists, this book is an essential reference to understand the lithium-ion battery and supercapacitor applications of nanostructured materials that are most widely used for developing low-cost, rapid, and highly efficient energy storage systems.
Download or read book One dimensional Nanostructures for PEM Fuel Cell Applications written by Shangfeng Du and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2017-08-07 with total page 97 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: One-dimensional Nanostructures for PEM Fuel Cell Applications provides a review of the progress made in 1D catalysts for applications in polymer electrolyte fuel cells. It highlights the improved understanding of catalytic mechanisms on 1D nanostructures and the new approaches developed for practical applications, also including a critical perspective on current research limits. The book serves as a reference for the design and development of a new generation of catalysts to assist in the realization of successful commercial use that have the potential to decarbonize the domestic heat and transport sectors. In addition, a further commercialization of this technology requires advanced catalysts to address major obstacles faced by the commonly used Pt/C nanoparticles. The unique structure of one-dimensional nanostructures give them advantages to overcome some drawbacks of Pt/C nanoparticles as a new type of excellent catalysts for fuel cell reactions. In recent years, great efforts have been devoted in this area, and much progress has been achieved. Provides a review of 1D catalysts for applications in polymer electrolyte fuel cells Presents an ideal reference for the design and development of a new generation of catalysts to assist in the realization of successful commercial use Highlights the progress made in recent years in this emerging field
Download or read book PEM Fuel Cells written by Gurbinder Kaur and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2021-11-16 with total page 584 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: PEM Fuel Cells: Fundamentals, Advanced Technologies, and Practical Application provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of PEM fuel cell, their working condition and application, and the latest breakthroughs and challenges for fuel cell technology. Each chapter follows a systematic and consistent structure with clear illustrations and diagrams for easy understanding. The opening chapters address the basics of PEM technology; stacking and membrane electrode assembly for PEM, degradation mechanisms of electrocatalysts, platinum dissolution and redeposition, carbon-support corrosion, bipolar plates and carbon nanotubes for the PEM, and gas diffusion layers. Thermodynamics, operating conditions, and electrochemistry address fuel cell efficiency and the fundamental workings of the PEM. Instruments and techniques for testing and diagnosis are then presented alongside practical tests. Dedicated chapters explain how to use MATLAB and COMSOL to conduct simulation and modeling of catalysts, gas diffusion layers, assembly, and membrane. Degradation and failure modes are discussed in detail, providing strategies and protocols for mitigation. High-temperature PEMs are also examined, as are the fundamentals of EIS. Critically, the environmental impact and life cycle of the production and storage of hydrogen are addressed, as are the risk and durability issues of PEMFC technology. Dedicated chapters are presented on the economics and commercialization of PEMFCs, including discussion of installation costs, initial capital costs, and the regulatory frameworks; apart from this, there is a separate chapter on their application to the automotive industry. Finally, future challenges and applications are considered. PEM Fuel Cells: Fundamentals, Advanced Technologies, and Practical Application provides an in-depth and comprehensive reference on every aspect of PEM fuel cells fundamentals, ideal for researchers, graduates, and students. Presents the fundamentals of PEM fuel cell technology, electrolytes, membranes, modeling, conductivity, recent trends, and future applications Addresses commercialization, public policy, and the environmental impacts of PEMFC in dedicated chapters Presents state-of-the-art PEMFC research alongside the underlying concepts
Download or read book Micro Nano Engineering of Fuel Cells written by Dennis Y.C. Leung and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2015-04-24 with total page 337 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Fuel cells are clean and efficient energy conversion devices expected to be the next generation power source. During more than 17 decades of research and development, various types of fuel cells have been developed with a view to meet the different energy demands and application requirements. Scientists have devoted a great deal of time and effort
Download or read book Nanostructured Materials for Energy Related Applications written by Saravanan Rajendran and published by Springer. This book was released on 2019-02-11 with total page 297 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book describes the role and fundamental aspects of the diverse ranges of nanostructured materials for energy applications in a comprehensive manner. Advanced nanomaterial is an important and interdisciplinary field which includes science and technology. This work thus gives the reader an in depth analysis focussed on particular nanomaterials and systems applicable for technologies such as clean fuel, hydrogen generation, absorption and storage, supercapacitors, battery applications and more. Furthermore, it not only aims to exploit certain nanomaterials for technology transfer, but also exploits a wide knowledge on avenues such as biomass-derived nanomaterials, carbon dioxide conversions into renewable fuel chemicals using nanomaterials. These are the areas with lacunae that demand more research and application.
Download or read book Center for Intelligent Fuel Cell Materials Design written by and published by . This book was released on 2008 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The goal of this work was to develop a composite proton exchange membrane utilizing 1) readily available, low cost materials 2) readily modified and 3) easily processed to meet the chemical, mechanical and electrical requirements of high temperature PEM fuel cells. One of the primary goals was to produce a conducting polymer that met the criteria for strength, binding capability for additives, chemical stability, dimensional stability and good conductivity. In addition compatible, specialty nanoparticles were synthesized to provide water management and enhanced conductivity. The combination of these components in a multilayered, composite PEM has demonstrated improved conductivity at high temperatures and low humidity over commercially available polymers. The research reported in this final document has greatly increased the knowledge base related to post sulfonation of chemically and mechanically stable engineered polymers (Radel). Both electrical and strength factors for the degree of post sulfonation far exceed previous data, indicating the potential use of these materials in suitable proton exchange membrane architectures for the development of fuel cells. In addition compatible, hydrophilic, conductive nano-structures have been synthesized and incorporated into unique proton exchange membrane architectures. The use of post sulfonation for the engineered polymer and nano-particle provide cost effective techniques to produce the required components of a proton exchange membrane. The development of a multilayer proton exchange membrane as described in our work has produced a highly stable membrane at 170°C with conductivities exceeding commercially available proton exchange membranes at high temperatures and low humidity. The components and architecture of the proton exchange membrane discussed will provide low cost components for the portable market and potentially the transportation market. The development of unique components and membrane architecture provides a key element for the United States: 1) to transition the country from a fossil fuel based energy economy to a renewable energy based economy, and 2) to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Developments of this program will serve as an important step toward continuing PEMFC technology and ultimately the broad-based commercial availability of this technology and its benefits.
Download or read book Development of Nanostructured Materials for PEM Fuel Cells Application written by Abu Bakr Ahmed Amine Nassr Nassr and published by . This book was released on 2014 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Direct methanol fuel cells; formic acid oxidation; methanol oxidation; bimetallic catalysts; alloy formation; catalyst stability; heat treatment; Microwave irradiation; polyol method; structural characterization
Download or read book Design and in Situ Characterization of Novel Nanostructured Materials for Fuel Cells written by Yin Xiong and published by . This book was released on 2019 with total page 295 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The depletion of fossil fuels and global warming require the application of highly efficient and sustainable energy conversion devices, like fuel cells. However, the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on the cathode has significantly hindered the widespread implementation of fuel cells, which stimulates the development of highly active and durable electrocatalysts. Enormous progress has been made on both precious metal and non-precious metal catalysts, including Pt/Pd alloyed nanoparticles, transition metal oxides and nitrogen doped carbon materials. In this thesis, a bifurcated strategy involving the rational design and in situ mechanistic investigation has been proposed and conducted. Via different synthetic routes, a variety of nano-structured materials has been prepared, including Pt-based structurally ordered intermetallics, core-shell structured nanoparticles with Pt surface decoration, tri-metallic spinel oxides, bimetallic organic framework (BMOF) derived carbon materials and nitrogen-doped BMOF-derived Pt-Co nanoparticles. They are featured with distinctive properties to adapt various working conditions, for the ground transportation or stationary applications, for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) or alkaline exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). For example, Pt-based catalysts exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activities with a relatively high Pt utilization efficiency, making them suitable as promising candidates in the acidic electrolyte for fuel cell vehicles. Precious-metal-free catalysts demonstrate high activity, robust durability and cost effectiveness, which can be potentially applied in alkaline media for stationary applications. The in situ mechanism analysis of these materials consists of two parts: the first reveals the structural evolution of structurally ordered bimetallic intermetallics at high temperature, from both microscopic and macroscopic levels to determine the optimized synthesis condition for the Pt3Co intermetallic nanoparticles. The second part couples the electrochemical reaction with X-ray adsorption spectroscopy to elucidate the working and degradation mechanism of trimetallic oxides, which indicates the synergistic catalysis by Co and Mn, with Fe serving as the stabilizing agent. These analyses, in return, provide valuable insights for designing and optimizing related materials in the future.
Download or read book Polymer Membranes for Fuel Cells written by Javaid Zaidi and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2010-07-15 with total page 439 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the late-1960’s, perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSAs) ionomers have dominated the PEM fuel cell industry as the membrane material of choice. The “gold standard’ amongst the many variations that exist today has been, and to a great extent still is, DuPont’s Nafion® family of materials. However, there is significant concern in the industry that these materials will not meet the cost, performance, and durability requirementsnecessary to drive commercialization in key market segments – es- cially automotive. Indeed, Honda has already put fuel cell vehicles in the hands of real end users that have home-grown fuel cell stack technology incorporating hydrocarbon-based ionomers. “Polymer Membranes in Fuel Cells” takes an in-depth look at the new chem- tries and membrane technologies that have been developed over the years to address the concerns associated with the materials currently in use. Unlike the PFSAs, which were originally developed for the chlor-alkali industry, the more recent hydrocarbon and composite materials have been developed to meet the specific requirements of PEM Fuel Cells. Having said this, most of the work has been based on derivatives of known polymers, such as poly(ether-ether ketones), to ensure that the critical requirement of low cost is met. More aggressive operational requi- ments have also spurred the development on new materials; for example, the need for operation at higher temperature under low relative humidity has spawned the creation of a plethora of new polymers with potential application in PEM Fuel Cells.
Download or read book Fueling the Future written by United States. Congress. House. Committee on Science. Subcommittee on Energy and published by . This book was released on 2006 with total page 376 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Controlled Synthesis of One Dimensional Nanostructured Materials and Their Applications as Catalyst Supports in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells written by Mohammad Norouzi Banis and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Nanomaterials have attracted significant interest in the past decade due to their unique structure and properties compared to their bulk counterparts. Nanomaterials-based solutions can address challenges in various technologies such as proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). PEMFC is an innovative energy conversion technology to directly convert chemical energy to electrical energy by using hydrogen as fuel. However, the current PEMFC system still faces significant technological roadblocks which have to be overcome before the system can become economically viable. A major impediment to the commercialization of PEMFC is the high cost of materials and manufacturing and stability, which is primarily associated with the cost of Pt catalysts and their support in membrane electrode assembly (MEA). One approach in addressing these issues is the controlled synthesis and application of nanostructured Pt-based catalysts and their support in PEMFCs. The objective of this thesis is to synthesize and characterize various nanostructures (e.g. metal oxides and metal silicides or composites) and evaluate their performance as Pt supports used in the PEMFCs. Various advanced characterization techniques such as high resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and electrochemical characterization methods have been used to understand growth mechanism of obtained nanostructures and their roles in PEMFCs. We also reported the synthesis of WSi2 and Ta5Si3 heterostructures using a low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) method. The morphologies of these nanostructures were found to be sensitive to the concentration of reactive species and silica vapor in the CVD chamber. The results indicated that the morphology of WSi2 and Ta5Si3 nanostructures varied from nanowires, networked nanoribbons to nanosheets with the control of the oxygen concentration. A vapor solid growth mechanism based on silica sheath formation was proposed for the synthesis of these nanostructures. To take advantage of unique properties of carbon nanotubes, metal oxide and metal silicides as catalyst support, a new method was developed for the synthesis of composite nanostructures. TiSi2Ox-NCNTs and TiO2-NCNTs nanocomposites were synthesized using a combination of CVD process and magnetron sputtering and their performance as catalyst supports in PEMFCs were studied. Pt nanoparticles deposited on these nanostructures showed enhanced catalytic activity compared to commercial Pt/carbon electrodes. The electronic structure of Pt on the catalyst supports was investigated using X-ray absorption spectroscopy, to obtain insight into the interaction between the catalyst supports and Pt nanoparticles. As an example of well controlled synthesis of nanostructures, one-dimensional tungsten oxide nanostructures (W18O49) have been synthesized using a conventional chemical vapor deposition method (CVD). The morphology of the nanostructures such as diameter and length, were controlled during the synthesis process via sulfur doping. The dependence of morphology, composition and structure of tungsten oxides on the sulfur flow rate has been studied. Further, one step synthesis of tungsten sulfide/tungsten oxide nanocables (WS2/W18O49) have been achieved for the first time using tungsten and sulfur powder as the starting materials. In summary, the research work presented in this thesis aims at contributing to the development of various novel nanostructured catalyst supports and probing the correlation between synthesis approach, fine structure, and catalytic performance of the nanostructures as well as exploring their potential applications in highly active electrocatalysts for PEMFCs.
