KINETIC FACTORS IN FUEL CELL SYSTEMS: THE OXYGEN ELECTRODE,
Abstract
Expeimental studies of the reduction of oxygen on porous carbon and metal electrodes of the types used as cathodes in aqueous fuel cells sup port the conclusion that the reduction proceeds through a peroxide intermediate. While the reduction of molecular oxygen to peroxide in alkaline solutions is characterized by relatively low polarization on most cathodes in aqueous low temperature fuel cells, the subsequent reduction of the peroxide usually is irreversible. An immediate consequence is that most low temperature fuel cells, even at low current densities, operate at substantially less than the cell voltage perdicted thermodynamically. Results of studies of the oxygen-peroxide couple on carbon, graphite, lithiated nickel oxide, and platinum are summarized with emphasis on the dependence of the results on electrode composition, surface preparation, pH, and electrolyte composition. Some of the implications of these fundamental studies in the optimization of oxygen cathodes for aqueous fuel cells are discussed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 15, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0429248
Entities
People
- Akiya Kozawa
- Ernest B. Yeager
Organizations
- Case Western Reserve University