Membraneless Hydrogen Peroxide Fuel Cells as a Promising Clean Energy Source

Summary

This protocol introduces the design and evaluation of innovative three-dimensional electrodes for hydrogen peroxide fuel cells, utilizing Au-electroplated carbon fiber cloth and Ni-foam electrodes. The research findings highlight hydrogen peroxide's potential as a promising candidate for sustainable energy technologies.

Abstract

In an in-depth investigation of membraneless hydrogen peroxide-based fuel cells (H₂O₂ FCs), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), a carbon-neutral compound, is demonstrated to undergo electrochemical decomposition to produce H₂O, O₂, and electrical energy. The unique redox properties of H₂O₂ position it as a viable candidate for sustainable energy applications. The proposed membraneless design addresses the limitations of conventional fuel cells, including fabrication complexities and design challenges. A novel three-dimensional electrode, synthesized via electroplating techniques, is introduced. Constructed from Au-electroplated carbon fiber cloth combined with Ni-foam, this electrode showcases enhanced electrochemical reaction kinetics, leading to an increased power density for H₂O₂ FCs. The performance of fuel cells is intricately linked to the pH levels of the electrolyte solution. Beyond FC applications, such electrodes hold potential in portable energy systems and as high surface area catalysts. This study emphasizes the significance of electrode engineering in optimizing the potential of H₂O₂ as an environmentally friendly energy source.

Introduction

A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that utilizes fuel and oxidant to convert chemicals into electrical energy. FCs have higher energy conversion efficiency than traditional combustion engines since they are not bound by the Carnot Cycle¹. By utilizing fuels such as hydrogen (H₂)², borohydride-hydrogen (NaBH₄)³, and ammonia (NH₃)⁴, FCs have become a promising energy source that is environmentally clean and can achieve high performance, offering significant potential to reduce human dependence on fossil fuels. However, FC technology face....

Protocol

1. Pre-processing of materials

NOTE: Ni-foam (commercially available, see Table of Materials) with 25 mm x 25 mm x 1.5 mm is used for the H₂O₂ FC's anode.

1. Immerse the Ni-foam sample into alcohol and deionized (DI) water, sonicate for three times, 5 min in solvent and water. Subsequently, place the Ni-foam on a clean glass substrate.
2. Utilize the carbon fiber cloth (see Table of Materials) as the c.......

Discussion

Several parameters significantly influence the performance of a membraneless hydrogen peroxide fuel cell beyond solution pH and H₂O₂ concentration. The choice of electrode material dictates electrocatalytic activity and stability, while the electrode's surface area can enhance reaction sites. Operating temperature affects reaction kinetics, and the flow rate of reactants can determine the mixing efficiency of fuel and oxidant. The concentration of any catalyst used is pivotal for reaction rates,.......

Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Acetone	Merck & Co. Inc. (MRK)	67-64-1	solution for pre-process of materials
Alcohol	Merck & Co. Inc. (MRK)	64-17-5	solution for pre-process of materials
Carbon fiber cloth	Soochow Willtek photoelectric materials co.,Ltd.	W0S1011	substrate material for electroplating method
Electrochemistry station	Shanghai Chenhua Instrument Co., Ltd.	CHI600E	device for electroplating method and fuel cell performance characterization
Gold chloride trihydrate	Shanghai Aladdin Biochemical Technology Co.,Ltd.	G141105-1g	main solute for electroplating method
Hydrochloric acid	Sinopharm Chemical ReagentCo., Ltd	10011018	adjustment of solution pH
Hydrogen peroxide	Sinopharm Chemical ReagentCo., Ltd	10011208	fuel of cell
Nickel foam	Willtek photoelectric materials co.ltd(Soochow,China)	KSH-2011	anode material for hydrogen peroxide fuel cell
Potassium chloride	Shanghai Aladdin Biochemical Technology Co.,Ltd.	10016308	additives for electroplating method
Scanning electron microscope	Carl Zeiss AG	EVO 10	structural characterization for sample
Sodium hydroxide	Sinopharm Chemical ReagentCo., Ltd	10019718	adjustment of solution pH
X-Ray differaction machine	Bruker Corporation	D8 Advance	structural characterization for sample