Analysis of Double Layer and Adsorption Effects at the Alkaline Polymer Electrolyte-Electrode Interface

Abstract

In this study, the performance of the anionic electrodes in polymer-based alkaline fuel cells is analyzed. Direct alcohol, alkaline fuel cells suffer from a rapid decrease in cell potential at low discharge currents. Several effects are described to account for this drop in cell potential. Quaternary ammonium ions can specifically adsorb on the catalyst surface decreasing the active surface area and lowering the rate of methanol oxidation. In addition, the tethering of the quaternary ammonium cations on the polymer electrolyte inhibits the cation mobility causing a diffuse double layer to be formed. The diffuse double layer electrostatically inhibits the migration of hydroxide to the surface of the electrode which is needed for alcohol oxidation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 05, 2011
Accession Number
ADA591295

Entities

People

  • Daniel Abbott
  • Murat Ünlü
  • Nagappan Ramaswamy
  • Paul A Kohl
  • Sanjeev Mukerjee
  • Xiaoming Ren

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Alcohol Fuels
  • Alcohols
  • Alkali Metals
  • Alkaline Fuel Cells
  • Catalysts
  • Cells
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Current Density
  • Electrolytes
  • Electron Transfer
  • Energy
  • Fuel Cells
  • Ion Exchange
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Oxidation Reduction Reactions

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Battery Technology and Engineering
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Surface Coatings Technology.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology