RESEARCH ON LOW TEMPERATURE FUEL CELL SYSTEMS
Abstract
Comparative reactivities of a group of saturated hydrocarbons were determined in Pt anode fuel cells containing both strongly acidic and strongly basic electrolytes at 25 to 65 C. Rough values of activation energy for the over-ALL OXIDAION PROCESSES WERE CALCULATED FOR HIGH REACTIVITIES. Measurements with the series CH4, C2H6, C3H8, isobutane, neopentane show that the tertiary H in iobutane does not produce any noticeable enhancement in the anodic reactivity of this molecule. Gavanostatic studies of CH4, C2H6, C3H8, isobutane, ethylene and cyclopropane indicate that the rate of adsorption of saturated hydrocarbons on Pt black electrodes is markedly dependent upon the electrolyte. Slow adsorption occurs in the presence of bicarbonate and caustic. Ethylene and cyclopropane are more readily adsorbed than the saturated hydrocarbons, and both gases adsorb readily in the presence of acidic caustc and bicarbonate electrolytes. Steps attributale to adsorbed H appear on the saturated hydrocarbon galvanostatic oxidation curves. The adsorbed carbonaceous species from the hydocarbons require high overvoltages for their oxidation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0268235
Entities
Organizations
- General Electric