Technical Feasibility of Proton Battery with an Integrated MWCNT Electrode

Abstract

For sustainable and incremental growth, mankind is adopting renewable sources of energy along with storage systems. Storing surplus renewable energy in the form of hydrogen is a viable solution to meet continuous energy demands. In this thesis the concept of electrochemical hydrogen storage in a solid multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) electrode integrated in a proton battery is investigated. The method of solid electrode fabrication from MWCNT powder and egg white as an organic binder is disclosed. The electrochemical testing of proton with an integrated MWCNT-based hydrogen storage electrode is performed and reported. Charging and discharging was carried out and results analyzed to ascertain the electrochemical hydrogen storage capacity of the fabricated electrode. The analysis ascertains that maximum of 81.793 mAhg-1 can be stored while charging or electrolyser mode of proton battery and energy extracted while discharging or fuel cell mode is 1.358 mAhg-1.Total four charging and discharging cycles were carried out to assess the performance of proton battery. This proves the technical feasibility of proton battery with an integrated MWCNT-based hydrogen storage electrode, which is the first of its kind. This is surely a step forward towards building a sustainable energy economy.