Electrical Characterization of a Glucose-Fueled Alkaline Fuel Cell

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugenia Bubis ◽  
Lea Mor ◽  
Nissim Sabag ◽  
Zeev Rubin ◽  
Ury Vaysban ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Power Density ◽  
Current Density ◽  
Glucose Concentration ◽  
Room Temperature ◽  
Voltage Divider ◽  
Internal Resistance ◽  
Alkaline Fuel Cells ◽  
Current Interrupt

This paper is part of an effort to establish design parameters for glucose-fueled room temperature membraneless alkaline fuel cells as possible electricity suppliers for portable devices. We report experimental results for three characteristics of glucose-fueled room temperature membraneless alkaline fuel cells: 1) polarization curve, 2) power density as a function of current density, and 3) internal resistance. The internal resistance of the cell was measured by two independent experimental methods: “Voltage Divider” and “Current Interrupt”. The three characteristics were measured as a function of glucose concentration while maintaining the electrolyte, KOH, constant at 0.35 M. The results were compared with those reported for other room temperature Alkaline Fuel Cells fuelled with glucose and methanol. We found that the maximum power density has a value of 0.36 mW/cm2 at a current density of 1.44 mA/cm2 when glucose concentration is 0.22M. The “Voltage Divider” and “Current Interrupt” methods for measuring the internal resistance produced practically the same results. The resistivity of the electrolyte/fuel solution was estimated from internal resistance measurements. Resistivity was found to be linearly dependent upon glucose concentration; at a constant KOH electrolyte concentration of 0.35 M, the specific resistivity of 1 M glucose is 2.56 Ω·m. The power density obtained with Alkaline Fuel Cells fuelled with glucose is an order of magnitude smaller than that obtained for cells fuelled with methanol. More efforts should be invested in order to develop a practical glucose-fuelled fuel cell.

scholarly journals Water management improvement in PEM fuel cells via addition of PDMS or APTES polymers to the catalyst layer

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 1227-1243
Author(s):  
Hande UNGAN ◽  
Ayşe BAYRAKÇEKEN YURTCAN
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Power Density ◽  
Current Density ◽  
Catalyst Layer ◽  
Pem Fuel Cell ◽  
Gas Diffusion ◽  
Hydrophobic Polymers ◽  
A Current

Water management is one of the obstacles in the development and commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Sufficient humidification of the membrane directly affects the PEM fuel cell performance. Therefore, 2 different hydrophobic polymers, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), were tested at different percentages (5, 10, and 20 wt.%) in the catalyst layer. The solution was loaded onto the surface of a 25 BC gas diffusion layer (GDL) via the spraying method. The performance of the obtained fuel cells was compared with the performance of the commercial catalyst. Characterizations of each surface, including different amounts of PDMS and APTES, were performed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses. Molecular bond characterization was examined via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and surface hydrophobicity was measured via contact angle measurements. The performance of the fuel cells was evaluated at the PEM fuel cell test station and the 2 hydrophobic polymers were compared. Surfaces containing APTES were found to be more hydrophobic. Fuel cells with PDMS performed better when compared to those with APTES. Fuel cells with 5wt.% APTES with a current density of 321.31 mA/cm2and power density of 0.191 W/cm2, and 10wt.% PDMS with a current density of 344.52 mA/cm2and power density of 0.205 W/cm2 were the best performing fuel cells at 0.6V.

Preparation of Anion Exchange Membranes Base on Fluoro-Polyacrylate for Alkaline Fuel Cells

2012 ◽  
Vol 485 ◽  
pp. 84-87
Author(s):  
Jun Fang ◽  
Yong Bin Wu ◽  
Yan Mei Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Radical Polymerization ◽  
Anion Exchange ◽  
Butyl Methacrylate ◽  
Anion Exchange Membranes ◽  
Reaction Conditions ◽  
Alkaline Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell Application ◽  
Potential Applications

A series of hydroxyl conducting anion exchange membranes based on the copolymer of vinylbenzyl chloride, butyl methacrylate and fluoro-polyacrylate were prepared by radical polymerization, quaternization and alkalization. The reaction conditions of polymerization were discussed and the potential applications of the resulting membranes in alkaline fuel cells were assessed. The results show that the membranes have adequate conductivity for fuel cell application.

The Effect of Inlet Parameters on Fluid Flow and Cell Performance at Cathode of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Utku Gulan ◽  
Hasmet Turkoglu ◽  
Irfan Ar
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Power Density ◽  
Current Density ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Catalyst Layer ◽  
Pem Fuel Cell ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Exchange Membrane ◽  
Oxygen Mole Fraction

In this study, the fluid flow and cell performance in cathode side of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell were numerically analyzed. The problem domain consists of cathode gas channel, cathode gas diffusion layer, and cathode catalyst layer. The equations governing the motion of air, concentration of oxygen, and electrochemical reactions were numerically solved. A computer program was developed based on control volume method and SIMPLE algorithm. The mathematical model and program developed were tested by comparing the results of numerical simulations with the results from literature. Simulations were performed for different values of inlet Reynolds number and inlet oxygen mole fraction at different operation temperatures. Using the results of these simulations, the effects of these parameters on the flow, oxygen concentration distribution, current density and power density were analyzed. The simulations showed that the oxygen concentration in the catalyst layer increases with increasing Reynolds number and hence the current density and power density of the PEM fuel cell also increases. Analysis of the data obtained from simulations also shows that current density and power density of the PEM fuel cell increases with increasing operation temperature. It is also observed that increasing the inlet oxygen mole fraction increases the current density and power density.

Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of Miniaturized Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tao Zhang ◽  
Pei-Wen Li ◽  
Qing-Ming Wang ◽  
Laura Schaefer ◽  
Minking K. Chyu
Keyword(s):  
Mass Transfer ◽  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Free Convection ◽  
Current Density ◽  
Pem Fuel Cells ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Cathode Side ◽  
Ohmic Loss ◽  
Fuel Cell Performance

Two types of miniaturized PEM fuel cells are designed and characterized in comparison with a compact commercial fuel cell device in this paper. One has Nafion® membrane electrolyte sandwiched by two brass bipolar plates with micromachined meander-like gas channels. The cross-sectional area of the gas flow channel is approximately 250 by 250 (μm). The other uses the same Nafion® membrane and anode structure, but in stead of the brass plate, a thin stainless steel plate with perforated round holes is used at cathode side. The new cathode structure is expected to allow oxygen (air) being supplied by free-convection mass transfer. The characteristic curves of the fuel cell devices are measured. The activation loss and ohmic loss of the fuel cells have been estimated using empirical equations. Critical issues such as flow arrangement, water removing and air feeding modes concerning the fuel cell performance are investigated in this research. The experimental results demonstrate that the miniaturized fuel cell with free air convection mode is a simple and reliable way for fuel cell operation that could be employed in potential applications although the maximum achievable current density is less favorable due to limited mass transfer of oxygen (air). The relation between the fuel cell dimensions and the maximum achievable current density is also discussed with respect to free-convection mode of air feeding.

Quaternized poly(arylene perfluoroalkylene)s (QPAFs) for alkaline fuel cells – a perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (8) ◽  
pp. 1916-1928 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junpei Miyake ◽  
Kenji Miyatake
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Anion Exchange ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Anion Exchange Membranes ◽  
Alkaline Fuel Cell ◽  
Alkaline Fuel Cells

The progress, potential and remaining challenges of state-of-the-art anion exchange membranes (AEMs), in particular, our quaternized poly(arylene perfluoroalkylene)s (QPAFs), for alkaline fuel cell applications, are overviewed and discussed.

Microbial fuel cell of Enterobacter cloacae: Effect of anodic pH microenvironment on current, power density, internal resistance and electrochemical losses

2011 ◽  
Vol 36 (17) ◽  
pp. 11093-11101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanita Roshan Nimje ◽  
Chien-Yen Chen ◽  
Chien-Cheng Chen ◽  
Ji-Yi Tsai ◽  
Hau-Ren Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cell ◽  
Power Density ◽  
Enterobacter Cloacae ◽  
Internal Resistance

Optimization of the Operating Parameters of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell for Maximum Power Density

2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Mawardi ◽  
F. Yang ◽  
R. Pitchumani
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Power Density ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Optimum Operating ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Membrane Thickness ◽  
Exchange Membrane

The performance of fuel cells can be significantly improved by using optimum operating conditions that maximize the power density subject to constraints. Despite its significance, relatively scant work is reported in the open literature on the model-assisted optimization of fuel cells. In this paper, a methodology for model-based optimization is presented by considering a one-dimensional nonisothermal description of a fuel cell operating on reformate feed. The numerical model is coupled with a continuous search simulated annealing optimization scheme to determine the optimum solutions for selected process constraints. Optimization results are presented over a range of fuel cell design parameters to assess the effects of membrane thickness, electrode thickness, constraint values, and CO concentration on the optimum operating conditions.

scholarly journals Electricity Production from Organic Wastes Fermentation by Microbial Fuel Cell Process

2016 ◽  
Vol 855 ◽  
pp. 91-97
Author(s):  
Piyarut Moonsri ◽  
Wilaiporn Pongpian ◽  
Prayak Juantrong
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cell ◽  
Power Density ◽  
Current Density ◽  
Electricity Generation ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Organic Wastes ◽  
Electricity Production ◽  
Copper Metal ◽  
Potential Density

This research studied the electricity production from organic wastes fermentation by microbial fuel cell by using a single chamber microbial fuel cell (SCMFC). Two sizes (1 L and 10 L) of simple SCMFC were fabricated by using a cylindrical plastic tank which anode compartment and cathode compartment separated by plastic plate with hole and covered with cotton fabric. The anode electrode contacted with organic matter and microorganisms where anaerobic reaction occurred to generate electron and proton. The electrons transferred through an external circuit while the protons diffused through the solution to the cathode electrode for reducing oxygen to water. From the study of the effect of different electrode types (carbon graphite rod, zinc metal, and copper metal) to the electricity generation using the SCMFC size 1 L in fermentation with synthetic sweetness solution (22%Brix) and the effective microorganism (EM) for 36 hrs, it found that the fuel cell which used copper metal as electrode produced electricity increasing over the times and has more efficient than the other electrode types. The study of electricity generation from organic waste fermentation by using the SCMFC size 10 L and using copper metal as electrode, the results showed that the fermentation of pineapple waste produced the current density, potential density, and power density higher than the fermentation of bananas and the fermentation of food garbage with EM. An optimal period of time for the production of electricity from this microbial fuel cell is the first five days of fermentation that the cells has voltage »500 mV, the current density 25.52 mA m-2, potential density 104.69 V m-2 and power density 12.59 mW m-2, and then decline over time five days (120 hrs). Moreover the bio-liquid fertilizer and the residues from the fermentation can be further used in agricultural because of the nutrient content (N, P, K), organic carbon and organic material contents available.

The Effects of Feeding Configurations to Water Flooding and General Performance of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. B. Mahmud Hasan ◽  
S. M. Guo ◽  
S. V. Ekkad
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Power Density ◽  
Current Density ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Cell Voltage ◽  
Bipolar Plate ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Water Flooding ◽  
Cathode Side ◽  
Exchange Membrane

The performance of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) using different feeding configurations has been studied. Three bipolar plates, namely serpentine, straight channel and interdigitated designs, were arranged in different combinations for the PEMFC anode and cathode sides. Nine combinations in total were tested under different flow rates, working temperatures and loadings. The cell voltage versus current density and the cell power density versus current density curves were obtained. After operating the PEMFC under high current densities, the cell was split and the water flooding in the feeding channels was visually inspected. Experimental results showed that for different feeding configurations, interdigitated bipolar plate in anode side and serpentine bipolar plate in cathode side had the best performance in terms of cell voltage-current density curve, power density output rate, percentage of flooded area in the feeding channels, the pattern of flooding and the fuel utilization rate.

Glucose Oxidation by Nano-Fibrous Anodes in a Fuel Cell

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pinchas Schechner ◽  
Eugenia Bubis ◽  
Hana Faiger ◽  
Eyal Zussman ◽  
Ehud Kroll
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Power Density ◽  
Peak Power ◽  
Open Circuit Voltage ◽  
Volume Ratio ◽  
Open Circuit ◽  
High Area ◽  
Micrometer Size ◽  
Oxidation Of Glucose

This work adds more experimental evidence regarding the feasibility of using glucose to fuel fuel-cells with anodes that have a high area-to-volume ratio. Electrospinning was used to fabricate sub-micrometer size fibrous electrocatalytic anode membranes for the oxidation of glucose in an alkaline fuel cell (AFC). The fibers of the membranes were made of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and coated with silver by electroless plating. The anodes were tested while installed in a membranless fuel cell. The results presented include the open circuit voltage, OCV, the polarization curve, the power density as a function of the current density, and the peak power density, PPD. The measurements were performed with constant concentrations of glucose, 0.8 M, and KOH electrolyte solution, 1M. The performance of the anodes was found to improve as the diameter of the silver-plated fibers decreased. The highest PPD of 0.28 mW/cm2 was obtained with an anode made of plated fibers having a mean fiber diameter of 130 nanometers. We conclude from the results that saccharides in general, and glucose in particular, can serve as fuels for fuel cells, and that silver-plated polymeric electrospun electrodes have advantages due to their large surface area.

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