RESEARCH ON LOW TEMPERATURE FUEL CELL SYSTEMS
Abstract
Polarization behavior of the oxygen electrode and of the H-O fuel cell using a variety of catalytic electrodes in acidic, alkaline an solid- ion-exchange membrane electrolytes was investigated. It was concluded that: (a) under the practical operating conditions of H-O fuel cell , an IR-free, steady state emf greater than approximatel 0.93v is not likely to be achieved; (b) the IR-free polarization loss of approximately 0.3v appears to be associated with some specific property of the H-O fuel cells; (c) Pt black appears to be the best catal st known to date for the oxygen electrode; and (d) various existing theories of the irreversibility of the oxygen electrode were reviewed and it is concluded that none of these can satisfactorily explain all the experimental observations concerning the open-circuit behavior of the oxygen electr de. A tentative interpretati n based on the double layer capacitance effects is suggested for the various effects associated with the irreversibility of the H-O fuel cells at or near the open-circuit conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 30, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0273971
Entities
Organizations
- General Electric