RATE LIMITING STEPS ON FUEL CELL ELECTRODES

Abstract

The tep or steps that limit fuel cell electrode performance were studied. The electrodes considered were the typical porous, gaseous diffusion type, and most of the effort was directed towards acquiring a more quantitative understanding of the effect of the different variables governing electrode performance. An experimental program directed towards obtaining the necessary kinetic data for systems of interest was undertaken, and an experimental system was devised by means of which the electrochemical kinetics could be studied over a wide current density range in epend ntly of mass transfer effects on electrodes of known catalyst area. In the operating region where the effect of mass transfer became significant, it was possible quantitatively to assess its importance. For all the systems studied (O2 and H2O2 electroreduction, H2 and ethylene oxidation), for a particular catalyst-electrolyte system, the electrode performance could be described as a function of reactant concentration and current d nsity only. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1962
Accession Number
AD0286959

Entities

People

  • Adrian R. Reti

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Alkenes
  • Catalysts
  • Cells
  • Chemical Compounds
  • Chemistry
  • Current Density
  • Diffusion
  • Electrochemical Kinetics
  • Electrodes
  • Electrolytes
  • Ethylenes
  • Fuel Cells
  • Kinetics
  • Mass Transfer
  • Oxidation

Fields of Study

  • Chemistry
  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Combustion science or combustion engineering.
  • Electrochemical Surface Science
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology