Enhanced performance based on hybrid cathode backing layer using a biomass derived activated carbon framework for methanol fuel cells

Balakrishnan, Prabhuraj and Inal, I. Isil Gurten and Cooksey, Emily and Banford, Anthony and Aktas, Zeki and Holmes, Stuart (2017) Enhanced performance based on hybrid cathode backing layer using a biomass derived activated carbon framework for methanol fuel cells. Electrochimica Acta, 251. pp. 51-59. ISSN 0013-4686

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Abstract

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) suffer from performance reduction due to mass transport losses incurred at high current regions. In this work, we report the use of activated carbon (AC), prepared from factory waste-tea, as cathode microporous layer in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a DMFC, alleviating this mass transport effect. This biomass based AC framework, when tested under fuel cell operating conditions provided 0.25 V @ 300 mA cm−2, enhancing cell performance by 33% over standard electrodes at 70 °C. During uninterrupted durability testing, this electrode displayed exceptional stability in mass transport dominated region, with loss of 15 mV day−1, compared to 25 mV day−1 loss for the standard. Sample and electrode characterization measurements reveal that pore size distribution/particle size characteristics coupled with hydrophobic nature of the synthesized activated carbon, contributed to the performance improvement.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Electrochimica Acta
Additional Information:
This is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Electrochimica Acta. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Electrochimica Acta, 251, 2017 DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2017.08.068
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1500/1500
Subjects:
?? direct methanol fuel cellsmicroporous layercarbonactivated carbon improved power densitygeneral chemical engineeringelectrochemistrychemical engineering(all) ??
ID Code:
88697
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
04 Jun 2018 09:08
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
11 Sep 2024 00:17