Preparation of Arc Black and Carbon Nano Balloon by Arc Discharge and Their Application to a Fuel Cell

Arc black (AcB) was prepared in N2 gas using the twin-torch arc discharge apparatus, and a hollow capsule with graphite layers named a carbon nano balloon (CNB) was obtained by heat treatment of the AcB in Ar gas at 2400 °C. Transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and compressive resistivity measurement confirmed that the CNB was well graphitized. In the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) application of these carbon nanomaterials, catalyst metal nanoparticles were supported on the AcB, and a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) was formed from the catalyst-supported AcB and the CNB by hotpressing them on an electrolyte film. The MEA containing the CNB resulted in a higher DMFC performance than that without the CNB, indicating that the CNB with lower compressive resistivity than the AcB works as a material for the improvement of electric conductivity in an MEA.