One of the main obstacles preventing wide spread utilization of direct liquid fuel cells (DLFCs) is the cost of the catalyst as many fuel cells require the use of precious metals. The recent development of an ascorbic acid fuel cell operating under alkaline conditions has led to a version of the fuel cell that eliminates the use of precious metals by using carbon black nanoparticles; this carbon black provides sufficient activity to compete with other alcohol-based DLFCs. Carbon is not only advantageous because of its affordability but also because of its stability, electrical conductivity and high surface area. In order to gain an thermodynamic advantage, a high pH feed of ascorbate is used at the anode, and a low pH feed of hydrogen peroxide is used at the cathode.  Separating the electrodes is a Nafion membrane that was pre-treated in NaOH.  Optimization of this fuel cell includes analysis of the catalyst ink preparation and the type of carbon used at the anode and cathode.

Direct ascorbate fuel cell utilizing only carbon materials for anode and cathode

2019 Fall National Meeting

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