Compact Alkaline Fuel Cell System

The Army has a strong need for a very high-energy density (> 1000 WH/kg), lightweight power source for communications and other advanced electronic devices. The possible solution is replacing the battery with a hydrogen based proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. However, hydrogen storage and handling is a problem. Direct oxidation fuel cell (DOFC) with a PEM is quite attractive alternative. However, due to slow reduction and oxidation kinetics in the acidic media and fuel crossover issue, those systems have not reached their full potentials. It is well known that electrochemical oxidation of fuel and electrochemical reductions of oxygen are kinetically more favorable in an alkaline media at low temperature (T < 100oC). Furthermore, alkaline electrolyte offers the best prospects for using non-noble metal as the catalyst. So an alkaline electrolyte based direct oxidation fuel cell might provide a promising route toward the compact, high specific energy power sources. Based on our extensive experience in the field of metal air fuel technology, we have come up with several innovative solutions. The objective of this proposal is well aligned with the program objectives, to design, construct and evaluate a portable AFC.