Electrode configurations study for alkaline direct ethanol fuel cells

Abstract

The direct electrochemical conversion of ethanol, a sustainable fuel, is an alternative sustainable technology of the future. In this study, membrane electrode assemblies with different electrode configurations for an alkaline direct ethanol fuel cell were fabricated and tested in a fuel cell device. The configurations include a catalyst-coated substrate (CCS), a catalyst-coated membrane (CCM), and a mixture of these two fabrication options. Two different anion exchange membranes were used to perform a comprehensive analysis. The fabricated CCSs and CCMs were characterized with single cell measurements, electro­chemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the swelling behavior of the membranes in alkaline solution was investigated in order to obtain information for CCM production. The results of the experimental electrochemical tests show that the CCS approach provides higher power densities (42.4 mW cm-2) than the others, regardless of the membrane type.