Studies On The Anodic Catalyst Fof Direct Borohydride Fuel Cells

The direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC) is a novel fuel cell which uses alkaline borohydride solution as the fuel and can directly convert chemical energy of borohydride into electricity. Compared with the general fuel cells, DBFC has some advantages, such as its higher theoretical output voltage and power density, low cost non-noble metals catalysts. At the same time, borohydrides can be storied, transported and applied in a solid or liquid states which is much more convienient and safe.In this work, LmNiCoMnAl (Lm is La riched mismetal) hydrogen storage alloy used as the anodic catalyst was investigated in electrochemical behaviours. In order to improve the catalytic properties of the alloys, Au and CoO treatment had been carried out by chemical reduction method. XRD and SEM-EDS were used to analyse the structure and composition of the samples. Polarization curve and CV were carried out to determine the electrochemical performances. The results showed that Au and CoO doping of the alloy efficiently enhanced the electrochemical properties of the utilization ratio of the fuel, especially the sample doped with Au. The DBFC performance was greatly determined by the operation conditions, especially the operation temperature. While using the parent alloy as the anodic catalyst, its open circuit potential, the largest discharge current and discharge power were1.76V,400mA and277mW at70℃, but Au-doped sample showed the open circuit potential, largest discharge current and discharge power1.9V,750mA and470mW at70℃respectively...