Influence of anode diffusion layer properties on performance of direct borohydride fuel cell

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 162; no. 1; pp. 192 - 197
• Main Authors: Park, Ki Tae, Jung, Un Ho, Jeong, Seong Uk, Kim, Sung Hyun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 08.11.2006; Elsevier Sequoia
• Subjects: Anode diffusion layer; Applied sciences; Diffusion layer thickness; Direct borohydride fuel cell; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cells; Hydrogen evolution; PTFE contents; PTFE contents; Diffusion layer thickness; Hydrogen evolution; Anode diffusion layer; Direct borohydride fuel cell; Gaseous diffusion; Stability; Anode; Hydrogen; Gas release; Layer thickness; Hydroborates; Carbon paper; Performance; Fuel cell
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2006.07.040

This study investigates the effect of the anode diffusion layer on the cell performance and stability of a direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC). Carbon paper with various PTFE contents and thicknesses is used as the anode diffusion layer. In the case of the DBFC, both hydrogen evolution and liquid fuel diffusion have to be considered while selecting an anode diffusion layer. Among the various PTFE-containing diffusion layers, the non-contained diffusion layer yields the best performance. Adding PTFE to the diffusion layer leads to improved gas transport but is unsuitable in the DBFC. In addition, the thinnest (100 μm) diffusion layer gives the best performance among the diffusion layers with various thicknesses. The decrease in the length of the diffusion path is beneficial for both the release of hydrogen gas and the diffusion of liquid fuel. In addition, it is found that the hydrogen evolution rate increases with increasing cell performance. Overall, adequate diffusion of liquid fuel is more important for the performance of a DBFC than the release of hydrogen gas.