A high-performance H₂O₂-based fuel cell for air-free applications

Abstract

A newly introduced fuel cell which employs an electrically rechargeable liquid fuel (e-fuel) has piqued increasing research interest in recent years as it eliminates the need for catalyst materials at the anode. To further boost the performance of the e-fuel cell and realize its application in airtight environments, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is considered as an alternative oxidant instead of oxygen. Here, the operation and performance of a H2O2-based fuel cell is investigated. The novel e-fuel/H2O2 fuel cell displays a peak power density of 1456.0 mW cm−2 at 60 °C, which is 70% higher than the use of oxygen (857.0 mW cm−2). A maximum current density exceeding 3000 mA cm−2 is also achieved by the cell. Such impressive performance not only outclasses the e-fuel cell supplied with oxygen but also exceeds many liquid fuel cells that use H2O2 as oxidant. This therefore reveals the capability of e-fuel/H2O2 fuel cell as a promising power source in airtight environments and high-power applications. The performance of the cell at various operating conditions including its discharge behavior at constant currents are also investigated. This study thus offers stimulating insights for advanced investigations towards improving the design and operational characteristics of this H2O2-based fuel cell.