Thin-Membrane Solid-Acid Fuel Cell

Abstract

Solid-acid fuel cells (SCFCs) utilize an anhydrous, nonpolymeric proton conducting electrolyte that can operate at slightly elevated temperatures. By supporting thin CsH2PO4 electrolyte membranes (25-36 µm), on porous stainless steel gas-diffusion electrodes, SAFCs with peak power densities as high as 415 mW/cm^2 were obtained. Cells were operated at ~240°C with humidified H2 supplied to the anode and humidified O2 supplied to the cathode. Despite the thinness of the membranes, the open-circuit voltages were high, 0.91-1.01 V. These results transform SAFCs from laboratory curiosities into highly competitive energy conversion devices.