Performance evaluation of direct borohydride-hydrogen peroxide fuel cells with electrocatalysts supported on multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

The performance of direct borohydride hydrogen peroxide fuel cells with electrocatalysts supported on multiwalled carbon nanotubes is evaluated under various conditions. Electrocatalysts are reduced on multiwalled carbon nanotubes by NaH2PO2 and electrodes are investigated using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and fuel cell testing. The maximum power density decreases with increasing NaBH4 concentration, likely owing to increases in NaBH4 decomposition and crossover rates and to production of increasing amounts of NaBO2. In contrast, the maximum power density increases with increasing H2O2 concentration, likely owing to increases in reactant concentrations. Moreover, increased operating temperatures improve decomposition and electrochemical reaction rates. A thin membrane increases fuel crossover, whereas a thick membrane decreases the maximum power density; consequently, the Nafion 212 membrane is the optimal thickness for use in fuel cells such as those studied here. Under selected conditions, the maximum power density is 101.9 mW/cm(2). As operation time increases, fuel cell performance is degraded by oxidation and Na deposition.