Definition of chemical and electrochemical properties of a fuel cell electrolyte. Interim technical report, 24 July 1978-24 December 1979
The present research is oriented toward the task of developing an improved electrolyte for the direct hydrocarbon-air fuel cell. The electrochemical behavior of methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, and sulfoacetic acid as fuel cell electrolytes was studied in a half cell at various temperatures. The rate of electro-oxidation of hydrogen at 115 degrees was very high in methanesulfonic acid and sulfoacetic acids. The rate of the electro-oxidation of propane in methanesulfonic acid at 80/sup 0/C and 115/sup 0/C was low. Further, there is evidence for adsorption of these acids on the platinum electrode. Sulfoacetic acid with H/sup 2/ has supported about two times higher current density than trifluoromethanesulfonic acid monohydrate, but, attempts to purify the compound were unsuccessful. It was concluded that anhydrous sulfonic acids are not good electrolytes; water solutions are required. Sulfonic acids containing unprotected C-H bonds are adsorbed on platinum and probably decompose during electrolysis. A completely substituted sulfonic acid would be the preferred electrolyte.
- Research Organization:
- American Univ., Washington, DC
- DOE Contract Number:
- DAAK70-77-C-0080
- OSTI ID:
- 6729555
- Report Number(s):
- AD-A-083608
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Definition of chemical and electrochemical properties of a fuel cell electrolyte. Interim technical report, 25 December 1977--24 July 1978. [Organic acids]
Related Subjects
ACID ELECTROLYTE FUEL CELLS
ELECTROLYTES
HYDROCARBON FUEL CELLS
ADSORPTION
AIR
CURRENT DENSITY
ELECTROCHEMISTRY
HYDROGEN
OXIDATION
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PLATINUM
PROPANE
SULFONIC ACIDS
ALKANES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMISTRY
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
FUEL CELLS
GASES
HYDROCARBONS
METALS
NONMETALS
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC SULFUR COMPOUNDS
PLATINUM METALS
SORPTION
TESTING
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
300503* - Fuel Cells- Materials
Components
& Auxiliaries