HYDROCARBON FUEL CELL ELECTRODES.
Abstract
This report describes the continuing evaluation of electrodes and matrix materials in fuel cell systems utilizing acid electrolytes and operating with impure hydrogen fuels. Polarization data showing the effect to CO poisoning and of dilution with CO2 or nitrogen in matrix-type phosphoric acid cells operating at 100 and 150 C are presented. Life tests of up to 5,600 hours duration are reported (pure H2 fuel). Tests at 100 C have shown good voltage stability with time, whereas at 150 C, voltage degradation apparently related to growth in platinum crystallite size at the cathode was observed. Anode stability on 10% CO at 150 C appears good, although performance on life test was somewhat lower than predicted from polarization data. Testing with sulfuric acid electrolyte at 70-85 C was carried out in free electrolyte cells, using PTFE-backed electrodes. Anodes containing 5-15 mg noble metal/sq cm showed good stability on 1% CO for several hundred hours. Cathodes (10 mg Pt/sq cm) showed good stability on O2 after an initial drop of 40-60 mv during the first 100 hours or so on test. Total cell performance on pure H2 and O2 was in the range 0.71-0.77 volt at 100 ma/sq cm. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0823360
Entities
People
- John Dipalma