A Silicon Microfabricated Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cell

Author(s):  
J. Yeom ◽  
G. Z. Mozsgai ◽  
A. Asthana ◽  
B. R. Flachsbart ◽  
P. Waszczuk ◽  
...  

A silicon-based microfabricated fuel cell running on formic acid has been developed to provide a high energy and power density power source on the millimeter size scale. A polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell was fabricated utilizing the Nafion™112 membrane bonded between electrodes on silicon substrates. The cell was fueled by a concentrated formic acid-water solution and the catalyst used was Pt. The preliminary result shows that the microfabricated formic acid fuel cell may be a promising alternative for very small portable fuel cell applications.

Author(s):  
Erman Çelik ◽  
İrfan Karagöz

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are carbon-free electrochemical energy conversion devices that are appropriate for use as a power source on vehicles and mobile devices emerging with their high energy density, lightweight structure, quick startup and lower operating temperature capabilities. However, they need more developments in the aspects of reactant distribution, less pressure drops, precisely balanced water content and heat management to achieve more reliable and higher overall cell performance. Flow field development is one of the most important fields of study to increase cell performance since it has decisive effects on performance parameters, including bipolar plate, and thus fuel cell weight. In this study, recent developments on conventional flow field designs to eliminate their weaknesses and innovative design approaches and flow field architectures are obtained from patent databases, and both numerical and experimental scientific studies. Fundamental designs that create differences are introduced, and their effects on the performance are discussed with regard to origin, objective, innovation strategy of design besides their strength and probable open development ways. As a result, significant enhancements and design strategies on flow field designs in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are summarized systematically to guide prospective flow field development studies.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seungju Lee ◽  
YoungSuk Jo ◽  
Son-Jong Hwang ◽  
Yongha Park ◽  
Yeong Cheon Kim ◽  
...  

Abstract Modern H2-based energy storage and conversion devices require a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell–based integrated power system with synergistic heat integration. The key issue in integrated power systems is developing a PEM that can operate at 200–300 °C. However, currently used phosphoric-acid-based high-temperature PEM fuel cells limited stability at higher operating temperatures. Herein, we introduce a cerium hydrogen phosphate (CeHP) PEM that conducts protons above 200 °C through a self-assembled network (SAN). The SAN-CeHP-PBI reached maximum power densities of 2.4 W cm-2 and operate stably for over 7000 minute without any voltage decay at 250 ℃ under H2/O2 and anhydrous conditions. The developed fuel cell can be combined with an external hydrogen generator that uses a liquid hydrogen carrier such as N-ethylcarbazole and methanol as fuel, thus achieving a high energy efficiency. The thermal stability and fuel flexibility of these SAN-CeHP-PBI demonstrate potential for commercial applications.


Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (13) ◽  
pp. 4048
Author(s):  
Huu Linh Nguyen ◽  
Jeasu Han ◽  
Xuan Linh Nguyen ◽  
Sangseok Yu ◽  
Young-Mo Goo ◽  
...  

Durability is the most pressing issue preventing the efficient commercialization of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stationary and transportation applications. A big barrier to overcoming the durability limitations is gaining a better understanding of failure modes for user profiles. In addition, durability test protocols for determining the lifetime of PEMFCs are important factors in the development of the technology. These methods are designed to gather enough data about the cell/stack to understand its efficiency and durability without causing it to fail. They also provide some indication of the cell/stack’s age in terms of changes in performance over time. Based on a study of the literature, the fundamental factors influencing PEMFC long-term durability and the durability test protocols for both PEMFC stationary and transportation applications were discussed and outlined in depth in this review. This brief analysis should provide engineers and researchers with a fast overview as well as a useful toolbox for investigating PEMFC durability issues.


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