Recent developments in borohydride fuel cell cells

Ponce de Leon, Carlos, Walsh, Frank C., Bessette, Russell R, Patrissi, Charles J., Medeiros, Maria G., Rose, Abigail, Browning, Darren, Lakeman, John B and Reeve, Robert W. (2009) Recent developments in borohydride fuel cell cells. ECS Transactions, 15 (1), 25-49. (doi:10.1149/1.3046618).

Abstract

Developments in direct borohydride fuel cells (DBFC) are considered together with electrolyte stability and the choice of membrane and electrode materials. The cyclic voltammetry of borohydride oxidation was studied at three electrodes: a) gold on carbon, Au/C, b) gold on titanate nanotubes, Au/TiN and (c) gold foil. Similar currents were observed from the three electrodes. A DBFC in a single, 2- and 4-bipolar cell configuration with Au/C anode and Pt/C cathode produced 2.2, 3.2 and 9.6 W showed cell voltages of 1.06, 0.81 and 3 V, respectively. In another single cell, the reduction of peroxide on a Pd/Ir coated microfibrous carbon cathode was catalytically more active than a platinised-carbon one. The maximum power density achieved was 78 mW cm-2 at a cell voltage of 1.09 V. The need for further research is highlighted, particularly into new electrocatalyst materials

This record has no associated files available for download.

Contributors

Author: Carlos Ponce de Leon

Download statistics