THIN FUEL CELL ELECTRODES.
Abstract
Data have been collected which shown that the features of metal and carbon electrodes can be combined in socalled 'fixed-zone' electrodes, and manufactured by layering a porous nickel backing with an active carbon material which contains the catalyst. Commercially available sintered-nickel plaques usable for electrode backing were physically characterized, and carbon materials suitable as electrode base materials were screened in respect to their properties and electrochemically evaluated. Manufacturing procedures have been devised and refined to a point at which output, operational life, and reproducibility are sufficiently high to permit determination of performance characteristics in an extensive testing program. The partial factorial matrix set up to evaluate the influence of processing variables on polarization of electrodes and cell life revealed the relative importance of closely controlled electrode production steps. Long-time testing of larger (6-by 5-in.) cells and cell combinations established the longevity of the fixed-zone electrode type under practical operating conditions over many thousands of hours at reasonable current densities (30 and 50 ma/sq cm). Performance of thin electrodes in various KOH and NaOH electrolyte concentrations, in carbonate-containing caustic solutions and with immobilized electrolytes was investigated. The effect of gas pressure was studied and operation at below freezing temperatures was recorded. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 31, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0615160
Entities
People
- G. E. Evans
- K. V. Kordesch
- M. B. Clark
- W. G. Darland