DIRECT AMMONIA-AIR FUEL CELL.

Abstract

A new type of direct oxidation ammonia fuel cell was investigated. This cell is based on the use of a non-aqueous fused hydroxide electrolyte matrix, and operates in the intermediate temperature range of 180-300 C. Studies have been carried out to determine the nature of the ratecontrolling step in the kinetics of the anodic oxidation of ammonia. A new type of Ni/NiOOH reference electrode was developed for the measurement of single electrode potentials in experimental galvanic fuel cells employing this type of matrix electrolyte. In addition to various exploratory studies, two statistical analysis programs, using a full factorial design and replicate blocks of cells, were applied to the electrochemical parameters of temperature, composition, current density, and cell 'aging.' During this study, operational cells were able to reach current densities of 100 to 120 mA/sq cm at cell EMF's of 0.5 to 0.6 volts. At practical levels of current density the direct ammonia fuel cell has an overall efficiency of about 60% compared to 30-35% for the indirect-type fuel cell. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 31, 1964
Accession Number
AD0454420

Entities

People

  • Robert E. Kuppinger

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Cells
  • Current Density
  • Efficiency
  • Electrodes
  • Electrolytes
  • Factorial Design
  • Fuel Cells
  • Hydroxides
  • Kinetics
  • Measurement
  • Oxidation
  • Statistical Analysis

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Battery Technology and Engineering
  • Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Technology.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology