An assessment of alkaline fuel cell technology

McLean, G.F.; Niet, Taco; Prince-Richard, S.; Djilali, Ned

doi:10.1016/s0360-3199(01)00181-1

Cited by 532 publications

(280 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…This is mainly due to the facile kinetics at the cathode as well as at the anode; cheaper non-noble metal catalysts can be used (such as nickel and silver [31][32][33] One of the main issues with traditional AFCs is that of electrolyte and electrode degradation caused by the formation of carbonate/bicarbonate (CO 3 2-/HCO 3 -) in the liquid alkaline electrolyte on reaction of OH -ions with CO 2 contamination in the oxidant gas stream [34,35,36]. This has limited the application of such fuel cell systems in which pure oxygen can be supplied e.g.…”

Section: Potential Benefits and Disadvantages Of The Use Of Alkaline mentioning

confidence: 99%

Prospects for Alkaline Anion‐Exchange Membranes in Low Temperature Fuel Cells

Varcoe¹,

2005

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This article introduces the radical approach of applying alkaline anion-exchange membranes (AAEMs) to meet the current challenges with regards to direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs).A review of the literature is presented with regards to the testing of fuel cells with alkaline membranes (fuelled with hydrogen or methanol) and also to candidate alkaline anionexchange membranes for such an application. A brief review of the directly related patent literature is also included. Current and future research challenges are identified along with potential strategies to overcome them. Finally, the advantages and challenges with the direct electrochemical oxidation of alternative fuels are discussed, along with how the application of alkaline membranes in such fuel cells may assist in improving performance and fuel efficiency. KeywordsLow temperature, Alkaline anion-exchange membrane, Direct methanol fuel cell, Polymer electrolyte fuel cell.

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Section: Potential Benefits and Disadvantages Of The Use Of Alkaline mentioning

confidence: 99%

Prospects for Alkaline Anion‐Exchange Membranes in Low Temperature Fuel Cells

Varcoe¹,

2005

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“…AEM fuel cells benefit from increased kinetics in an alkali media allowing more complex fuels then hydrogen and have the potential to utilize non-platinum catalysts to reduce costs. [7][8][9][10][11] However, a number of challenges must be overcome before AEMs reach the performance and durability necessary for fuel cells and other electrochemical energy conversion devices. Hydroxide present in the AEM degrades many of the proposed cationic groups and some polymer backbones, making development of chemically stable AEMs difficult.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Mechanical Characterization of Anion Exchange Membranes by Extensional Rheology under Controlled Hydration

Vandiver

Caire

Carver

et al. 2014

J. Electrochem. Soc.

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Alkali anion exchange membrane (AEM) based devices have the potential for electrochemical energy conversion using inexpensive catalysts and a variety of fuel types. Membrane stability and anion transport must be improved in AEMs before these devices can be fully realized. Mechanical failure of the membrane can contribute to failure of the device, thus membrane durability is critical to overall system design. Here, a study of the mechanical properties of three well-established AEMs uses a modified extensional rheometer platform to simulate tensile testing using small membrane samples. Mechanical properties were tested at 30 and 60 • C under dry or water saturated gas conditions. Water in the membrane has a plasticizing effect, softening the membrane and reducing strength. PEEK membrane reinforcement limits swelling producing negligible softening and only a 9% decrease in strength from dry to hydrated conditions at 30 • C. Higher cation concentration increases water uptake resulting in significant softening, a 57% reduction in Young's modulus, and a 67% reduction in strength when hydrated at 30 • C. In a working electrochemical device, AEMs must maintain integrity over a range of temperatures and hydrations, making it critical to considering mechanical properties when designing new membranes. Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells and electrolyzers are potentially disruptive technologies that will replace traditional heat engines such as internal combustion engines for transportation applications, portable electronics, and are scalable to larger energy storage facilities. Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are suitable for transportation applications due to their low temperature start-up and operation, high power density, and quick refueling.1-3 Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) have dominated polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell development in the last several decades, resulting in the development of relatively stable, well performing membranes.1-4 Current PEM fuel cells remain cost prohibitive due to high catalysts costs, as well as long-term durability issues. 3,5,6 Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) can also be utilized in polymer electrolyte membrane devices and have several potential benefits over PEMs. AEM fuel cells benefit from increased kinetics in an alkali media allowing more complex fuels then hydrogen and have the potential to utilize non-platinum catalysts to reduce costs. 7-11However, a number of challenges must be overcome before AEMs reach the performance and durability necessary for fuel cells and other electrochemical energy conversion devices. Hydroxide present in the AEM degrades many of the proposed cationic groups and some polymer backbones, making development of chemically stable AEMs difficult. 9,11,12 Additionally, transport of hydroxide in AEMs is inherently slower than protons in PEMs, 13 to compensate, the concentration of ionic groups is often increased in AEMs.8 Increasing ion concentration in AEMs increases water sorption in the polymer and can result in significant dimensional...

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“…Compared to the aqueous alkaline fuel cell (A-FC), the AAEM-FC is much more portable and does not suffer from weeping of caustic electrolyte and leaking issues [8]; however, it is still susceptible to carbonate formation [10][11][12][13]. In A-FCs, metal carbonates form from the interaction of carbon dioxide in the air and metal cations within the aqueous electrolyte, such as K + and Na + , as described in Equation 1 [8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%