A High Performance Air Cathode with the Hydrophobic Pores Distributed Continuously and in Gradient for Zinc‐Air Fuel Cells. Issue 10 (4th September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Du, Xianglong; Yan, Zhao; Wang, Erdong; Li, Lifang
• Is Part Of: Energy technology. Volume 6:Issue 10(2018:Oct.)
• Page Start: 1860
• Page End: 1864
• Publication Date: 2018-09-04
• Subjects: zinc-air fuel cells -- air cathode -- hydrophobic -- flooding -- carbonation; Energy development -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1002/ente.201800056
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2194-4288

Abstract

Abstract: An efficient and durable air cathode is of great importance for the commercial application of zinc‐air fuel cell. In this work, a new air cathode with the hydrophobic pores distributed continuously and in gradient was prepared and characterized by the scanning electron microscope (SEM) combined with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). Compared with traditional air cathode, our new cathode exhibits attractive performance and lifetime, by which the maximum power density of 252 mW cm −2 and a stable discharge of 3600 h at 50 mA cm −2 are presented in zinc‐air fuel cells. Further investigation shows that the unique pores with the adequate size and hydrophobic property in current collector layer for the new cathode are helpful to prevent the water accumulation, and inhibit the formation of carbonate. Abstract : Improving stability! A new air cathode with the hydrophobic pores distributed continuously and in gradient was proposed and successfully prepared for zinc‐air fuel cells. The new cathode shows high performance and long lifetime for the maximum power density 252 mW cm −2 and stably 3600 h discharge in a zinc‐air fuel cells. And this cathode efficiently prevents the accumulation of electrolyte and the formation of carbonate inside the electrodes, and is a potential candidate for zinc‐air fuel cells.