Enhanced output performance of paper based fuel cells with multiple electrodes

Paper-based fuel cells have garnered significant attention owing to their cost-effectiveness and portability. Nevertheless, the fuel utilization rate remains significantly low, and there are lingering concerns regarding the accuracy of numerical simulation models. Additionally, the influence of wetting processes on the transient performance of the cell has been understudied. This work models and analyzes the comprehensive process, encompassing mass transfer, chemical reactions, and electrical conversion. We utilize transient calculations to assess the corresponding liquid flow and voltage drop, while steady-state calculations are employed to analyze the polarization curve and maximum power density. Furthermore, we propose a novel architecture featuring multiple electrodes to sort out the issue of fuel utilization efficiency. The results suggest that the concentration distribution of oxygen and carbon dioxide impacts cellular performance. Besides, an appropriate multi-electrode configuration can mitigate fuel mixing, thereby significantly enhancing fuel utilization efficiency and maximum output power. Compared to single-electrode fuel cells, the maximum fuel utilization rate of four-electrode cells has increased from 0.461 % to 1.451 %, while the maximum output power has surged from 0.49 mW to 1.89 mW. The model and structural design present herein offer valuable insights for the future development of paper-based fuel cells.