We have found that structural isomers of various small organic molecules (e.g., ascorbic acid and propylene glycol) play a significant role in the electrochemical oxidation rates of these molecules.  Small organic molecules are of particular interest in the operation of direct liquid fuel cells, but some (e.g., ascorbic acid and propylene glycol) have not garnered much attention until recently.  We have found that an ascorbate fuel cell can be operated with carbon nanoparticles as both the anode and cathode; this is a particularly interesting step forward in fuel cell technology since precious metals are not required in this fuel cell.  We have also found that 1,3 propylene glycol produces more power density than 1,2 propylene glycol (which has been the isomer primarily studied so far for fuel cells).  We seek to understand the role that surface adsorption plays in the oxidation rates of these different structural isomers.<br/>

Ascorbate fuel cells with carbon electrodes and the role of isomers toward the oxidation of small organic molecules such as ascorbate

2019 Fall National Meeting

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