Electrocatalyst design for an elevated temperature proton exchange membrane direct ethanol fuel cell

Andrew Bruce Bocarsly, Ellazar Niangar

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ethanol presents several advantages over other alternative fuels. Its volumetric energy density (21 MJ/L) is slightly lower than gasoline (31 MJ/L), but much better than available with either methanol or hydrogen. If an ethanol is used in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell the lowered energy density compared to gasoline in an internal combustion engine can in theory be overcome. This assumes that an electrochemical system can be developed that carries out the complete 12-electron oxidation of ethanol. To reach this goal, new catalyst systems must be developed. It is found that multicomponent catalysts such as platinum tin oxide (Pt/SnO2) and platinum tin oxide titanium dioxide (Pt/SnO/TiO2) improve the conversion of ethanol to its 12-electron oxidation products. Catalysts of this type can be quickly prepared using a microwave-assisted polyol procedure. Elevation of the operating temperature of a PEM fuel cell using the indicated catalysts to 130°C facilities production of CO2 and provides an improved current-voltage response.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationECS Transactions - Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells 8
PublisherElectrochemical Society Inc.
Pages1285-1291
Number of pages7
Edition2 PART 2
ISBN (Print)9781566776486
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
EventProton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells 8, PEMFC - 214th ECS Meeting - Honolulu, HI, United States
Duration: Oct 12 2008Oct 17 2008

Publication series

NameECS Transactions
Number2 PART 2
Volume16
ISSN (Print)1938-5862
ISSN (Electronic)1938-6737

Other

OtherProton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells 8, PEMFC - 214th ECS Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHonolulu, HI
Period10/12/0810/17/08

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Engineering

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