Cr-methanol fuel cell for efficient Cr(VI) removal and high power production. (15th January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Qing-Yun; Fu, Rong; Fang, Xiao-Wen; Cai, Wen-Fang; Wang, Yun-Hai; Cheng, Shao-An
• Is Part Of: Applied energy. Volume 138(2015:Jan. 15)
• Page Start: 31
• Page End: 35
• Publication Date: 2015-01-15
• Subjects: Chromium -- Electricity -- Wastewater -- Methanol -- Electrochemical; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy conservation -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2014.10.053
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-2619

Abstract

Highlights: A novel electrochemical cell is designed for Cr(VI) removal with power production. The power density output can reach up to 903 W m −2 . The electrochemical cell can run in a broad temperature range. About 1.3 mol methanol is consumed with per mole Cr(VI) removed. Abstract: A novel Cr-methanol fuel cell was designed to remove Cr(VI) with simultaneous electricity production. In this design, methanol was oxidized on anode, while Cr(VI) was reduced on cathode. With 2 mol L −1 sodium hydroxide as anolyte and 0.1 mol L −1 sodium sulfate as catholyte, the power density output of as high as 903 W m −2 with external resistance of 15 Ω at 45 °C could be obtained. More than 91% Cr(VI) could be reduced in one single cycle of around 400 min. What is more, the presented electrochemical cell can steadily run in wide temperature ranges from −14 °C to 45 °C. Our results also demonstrated that the proposed Cr-methanol fuel cell had potential application for Cr(VI) removal with simultaneous electricity production.