In the last 20 years, direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) have been the subject of tremendous research efforts for the potential application as on-demand power sources. Two leading technologies respectively based on proton exchange membranes (PEMs) and anion exchange membranes (AEMs) have emerged: the first one operating in an acidic environment and conducting protons; the second one operating in alkaline electrolytes and conducting hydroxyl ions. In this review, we present an analysis of the state-of-the-art acidic and alkaline DAFCs fed with methanol and ethanol with the purpose to support a comparative analysis of acidic and alkaline systems, which is missing in the current literature. A special focus is placed on the effect of the reaction stoichiometry in acidic and alkaline systems. Particularly, we point out that, in alkaline systems, OH− participates stoichiometrically to reactions, and that alcohol oxidation products are anions. This aspect must be considered when designing the fuel and when making an energy evaluation from a whole system perspective. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

Berretti, E., Osmieri, L., Baglio, V., Miller, H., Filippi, J., Vizza, F., et al. (2023). Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells: A Comparative Review of Acidic and Alkaline Systems. ELECTROCHEMICAL ENERGY REVIEWS, 6(1 (December 2023)) [10.1007/s41918-023-00189-3].

Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells: A Comparative Review of Acidic and Alkaline Systems

Santoro C.
Co-ultimo
;
2023

Abstract

In the last 20 years, direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) have been the subject of tremendous research efforts for the potential application as on-demand power sources. Two leading technologies respectively based on proton exchange membranes (PEMs) and anion exchange membranes (AEMs) have emerged: the first one operating in an acidic environment and conducting protons; the second one operating in alkaline electrolytes and conducting hydroxyl ions. In this review, we present an analysis of the state-of-the-art acidic and alkaline DAFCs fed with methanol and ethanol with the purpose to support a comparative analysis of acidic and alkaline systems, which is missing in the current literature. A special focus is placed on the effect of the reaction stoichiometry in acidic and alkaline systems. Particularly, we point out that, in alkaline systems, OH− participates stoichiometrically to reactions, and that alcohol oxidation products are anions. This aspect must be considered when designing the fuel and when making an energy evaluation from a whole system perspective. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]
Articolo in rivista - Review Essay
Anion exchange electrolyte; Ethanol; Fuel cells; Methanol; Proton exchange electrolyte;
English
24-ago-2023
2023
6
1 (December 2023)
30
open
Berretti, E., Osmieri, L., Baglio, V., Miller, H., Filippi, J., Vizza, F., et al. (2023). Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells: A Comparative Review of Acidic and Alkaline Systems. ELECTROCHEMICAL ENERGY REVIEWS, 6(1 (December 2023)) [10.1007/s41918-023-00189-3].
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10281/450421
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