Filter paper as electrolyte flow transport using vaporized methanol as fuel in a microfluidic fuel cell: Experimental and numerical simulation

Abstract

In this work, we present a design of a paper-based microfluidic fuel cell (μFC), which employs the spontaneous capillary flow of reactant solutions in a filter paper to accomplish passive conveyance of the fuel and oxidant. This self-pumping device uses methanol vapor as a fuel. The gas phase in the microfluidic fuel cell increases the fuel supply to the anode due to a higher diffusion coefficient of 1.5 ​× ​10⁻⁵ ​m² ​s⁻¹ compared with 5 ​× ​10⁻⁹ ​m² ​s⁻¹ for liquid phase. An air-breathing cathode is incorporated to paper-based μFC through which atmospheric oxygen is continuously supplied. The paper-based μFC performance is studied by polarization curves and chronoamperometry to determinate the power output and stability. Peak power of 1.49 ​mW and a stable current of 1.35 ​mA at 0.35 ​V for 28 ​h can be achieved with this prototype under room temperature. To interpret the device performance a numerical model is developed and validated with the experimental polarization curve. The fuel and oxidant concentration profiles in the electrodes from the model demonstrates a constant species availability at the cathode and anode and explains the stable current obtained in the experimental measurements. Subsequently, a stack of four MμFCFP was developed and evaluated in both series and parallel connections. In the parallel configuration, a maximum open circuit potential (OCP) of 0.69 ​V with a maximum current and power output of 34.53 ​mA and 4.14 ​mW are delivered, respectively. Conversely, in the series connection, a total current of 7.35 ​mA, an OCP of 2.39 ​V and a maximum power of 3.57 ​mW are reached. As a proof of concept, the stack successfully operates a 3 green LEDs array, each requiring a 2.1–2.5 ​V and 4.2–5 ​mW power to function, for a continuous duration of 3 ​h.