Electrode R&D, stack design and performance of biomass-based alkaline fuel cell module

Electrode formulations with different materials and manufacturing techniques were tested electrochemically in order to assess their stability and activity in long-term operations. Cathode electrocatalysts, such as CoTPP, Ca-0.9 La0.1MnO3 and Pt-Co alloys were incorporated in high surface area carbons and operated at a constant load of 100 mA/cm(2), 80 degrees C and an electrolyte concentration of 6 M KOH. Similarly, anode catalysts with Pt-Pd bimetallic combinations were also tested and ascertained in half-cell measurements. Surface area measurements and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analyses were carried out both before and after the electrochemical test procedures. The electrodes were incorporated into a seven and two cell module design of the external and internal manifolding types and the experiences gained from these design principles are described, respectively. Furthermore, a biomass fed AFC module with all the system descriptions, steps, and a demonstration layout of producer gas to alkaline fuel cell are examined and discussed. Wood charcoal and agro-residues were used as feedstock and as a primary fuel. Power output of the different feedstock in a producer gas fed alkaline fuel cell has the shown potentiality and efficiency to be applied as a stand alone power generator. (C) 1999 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.