Power generation by means of a prototype microcell using bioethanol as fuel and clinoptilolite-type zeolite

Currently, technological alternatives are being sought for the substitution of fossil fuels for different reasons.One of the most relevant is the protection of the environment, to have an improvement in this aspect, the generation of energy through clean sources is sought. The PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell) type fuel cells are an excellent alternative for the generation of clean energy because the residues of the fuel cell are mainly water and heat. In the present work, clinoptilolite zeolite was used to produce clean energy by a fuel cell using bioethanol as fuel. Zeolite showed promising results when used in combination with carbon and hydrogel as a solid electrolyte. The material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and x-ray electron microscopy. The result showed a maximum power of 0.00589241 mW in a surface of 900 mm2 , which is considered a positive result. The catalyst is functional to produce energy by an electrooxidation reaction using bioethanol in a fuel cell at a low cost compared to traditionally platinum-based catalysts.