PROJECT TITLE :

Gold nanoparticles: novel catalyst for the preparation of direct methanol fuel cell

ABSTRACT:

The authors report the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) using plant pathogenic Phoma glomerata (MTCC 2210). The synthesis of nanoparticles was characterised by visual observation followed UV-visible spectrophotometric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Later, direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) was created using two chambers (anodic chamber and cathodic chamber). These Au-NPs as catalysts have varied blessings over the opposite catalysts that are employed in the DMFC. Most importantly, it is cheaper as compared with alternative catalysts like platinum, and showed higher catalytic activity because of its effective surface structure. Being nano in size, it provides more surface space for the attachment of reactant molecules (methanol molecules). The DMFC catalysed by Au-NPs are found to be appropriate to switch lithium ion battery technology in shopper electronics like cell phones, laptops and so on thanks to the very fact that they can produce a high amount of energy in a little space. As long as fuel and air are equipped to the DMFC, it will continue to produce power, therefore it does not want to be recharged. The employment of Au-NPs as catalyst in DMFC has not been reported within the past; it is reported here the first time.