Hydrogen Peroxide Based Fuel Cell for High Energy Density Space application

The objective of this research is to study the feasibility of a unique high energy-density space power system based on a direct hydrogen peroxide fuel cell. Such a power system has an energy density 10 times higher than that available from the most advanced battery systems today and meets the requirements for Unconventional Space Power set forth in DARPA SB032-048. Unlike conventional fuel cells that employ oxygen, this radical new type of hydrogen peroxide fuel cell uses H2O2 directly in the cathode. This direct process eradicates the energy loss and weight penalty associated with prior attempts to develop H2O2 fuel cells where oxygen was generated via the catalytic decomposition of H2O2. The result is a highly efficient, high power density unit that is ideally suited for a variety of demanding space applications. The proposed study would demonstrate operation of such a small prototype cell and characterize its operational performance and efficiency.