Work

Hydrogen Peroxide Formation Rates in a PEMFC Anode and Cathode

Year: 2007

Type: article

Abstract: Hydrogen peroxide formation rates in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) anode and cathode were estimated as a function of humidity and temperature by studying the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on a rotating ring disk electrode. Fuel cell conditions were replicated by depositing a film of Pt/Vulcan XC-72 catalyst onto the disk and by varying the temperature, dissolved concentration, and the acidity levels in hydrochloric acid . The acidity was correlated to ionomer water activity and hence fuel cell humidity. The formation rates showed a linear dependence on oxygen concentration and square dependence on water activity. The selectivity in ORR was independent of oxygen concentration but increased with the decrease in water activity (i.e., decreased humidity). Potential dependent activation energy for the formation reaction was estimated from data obtained at different temperatures.

Source: Journal of The Electrochemical Society

DOI: 10.1149/1.2801980

Authors: Vijay A. Sethuraman, John W. Weidner, Andrew T. Haug, Sathya Motupally, Lesia V. Protsailo

Institution: University of South Carolina

Language: English

Topic: Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: U.S. Department of Energy, University of South Carolina