Electrolytes for Hydrocarbon Air Fuel Cells.
Abstract
This research was oriented towards finding an electrolyte with sufficient electrochemical activity and stability to replace phosphoric acid in direct oxidation fuel cells. Commercially available materials received prime consideration. However, ECO's view is that only perfluorocarbon acids promise the necessary thermal, chemical and physical stability. Accordingly, ECO synthesized difluoromethane diphosphonic acid and attempted to synthesize difluoromethane disulfonic acid. Sufficient quantities of difluoromethane diphosphonic acid were synthesized to permit experimental testing including fuel cell performance data. Difluoromethane diphosphonic acid has: (a) twice the ionic conductivity of phosphoric acid; (b) thermal stability above 236 C; (c) electrochemical stability between 0-1.0V vs. RHE; (d) low vapor pressure at 200 C and high viscosity; (e) non-corrosive properties toward fuel cell components; and (f) high rates of electrooxidation of hydrogen and high rates of electroreduction of oxygen. Further tests are needed to develop data using hydrocarbon fuels for extended periods of time.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA096448
Entities
People
- D. N. Crouse
- F. Walsh
- M. Walsh
- R. S. Morris