Alkaline Fuel Cells

Abstract

Alkaline Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (AFCs) consume hydrogen and oxygen producing potable water, heat, and electricity. The advantage of using an alkaline media is that the electrocatalytic process should be more facile in alkaline solutions than in acidic solutions (such as in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC)) due to the weakening of the adsorption energy. Another advantage is the improved material stability from the use of alkaline electrolytes. AFCs have been used successfully by NASA since the mid-1960s. The fundamental problem with AFCs is the aqueous KOH electrolyte reacts with CO2 (cathode air supply) to form carbonate species, which lowers the performance and lifetime of the cell. Our current research involves the use of solid anion exchange membrane to replace the aqueous electrolyte, which solves many problems faced by the conventional AFCs and PEMFCs. With research AFCs can be used for practical services and make the transition from hydrogen feasible.