A Comprehensive Study of an Acid-Based Reversible H2-Br2 Fuel Cell System. Issue 8 (6th June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yarlagadda, Venkata; Dowd, Regis P.; Park, Jun Woo; Pintauro, Peter N.; Van Nguyen, Trung
• Is Part Of: Journal of the Electrochemical Society. Volume 162:Issue 8(2015)
• Page Start: F919
• Page End: F926
• Publication Date: 2015-06-06
• Subjects: Flow batteries -- Flow field design -- Fuel cells -- Hydrogen-Bromine -- kinetic and transport effect; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; 541.3705
• DOI: 10.1149/2.1041508jes
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-4651

Abstract

Abstract : The regenerative H2 -Br2 fuel cell has been a subject of notable interest and is considered as one of the suitable candidates for large scale electrical energy storage. In this study, the preliminary performance of a H2 -Br2 fuel cell using both conventional as well as novel materials (Nafion and electrospun composite membranes along with Pt and Rhx Sy electrocatalysts) is discussed. The performance of the H2 -Br2 fuel cell obtained with a conventional Nafion membrane and Pt electrocatalyst was enhanced upon employing a double-layer Br2 electrode while raising the cell temperature to 45°C. The active area and wetting characteristics of Br2 electrodes were improved upon by either pre-treating with HBr or boiling them in de-ionized water. On the other hand, similar or better performances were obtained using dual fiber electrospun composite membranes (PFSA/PPSU) versus using Nafion membranes. The Rhx Sy electrocatalyst proved to be more stable in the presence of HBr/Br2 than pure Pt. However, the H2 oxidation activity on Rhx Sy is quite low compared to that of Pt. In conclusion, a stable H2 electrocatalyst that can match the hydrogen oxidation activity obtained with Pt and a membrane with low Br2 /Br − permeability are essential to prolong the lifetime of a H2 -Br2 fuel cell.