Evaluation of organic acids as fuel cell electrolytes

Journal Article · Sun Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1149/1.2127231· OSTI ID:5485736

Ahmad, J; Nguyen, T H; Foley, R T

The electrochemical behavior of methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, and sulfoacetic acid as fuel cell electrolytes was studied in half-cell at various temperatures. The rate of the electro-oxidation of hydrogen at 115/degree/C was very high in methanesulfonic acid. The rate of the electro-oxidation of propane in all three acids was low even at 135/degree/C. Further, there is evidence for adsorption of these acids on the platinum electrode. It is concluded that anhydrous sulfonic acids are not good electrolytes; water solutions are required. Sulfonic acids containing unprotected carbon-hydrogen bonds are adsorbed on platinum and probably decompose during electrolysis. 9 refs.

• Research Organization: Am Univ, Washington, DC, USA
• OSTI ID: 5485736
• Journal Information: J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States) Vol. 128:11; ISSN JESOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300503* -- Fuel Cells-- Materials
Components
& Auxiliaries
ACETIC ACID
ACID ELECTROLYTE FUEL CELLS
CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTROLYTES
FUEL CELLS
MONOCARBOXYLIC ACIDS
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SULFONIC ACIDS