Accession Number:

AD0729975

Title:

Catalysis of Hydrocarbon Oxidation with Adsorbed Layers.

Descriptive Note:

Semiannual rept. no. 1,

Corporate Author:

TYCO LABS INC WALTHAM MASS

Personal Author(s):

• Brummer,S. B.
• Turner,M. J.
• Feng,H.

Report Date:

1971-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

62.0

Abstract:

Further investigations of the effect of Ni2 added to H3PO4 electrolytes on the oxidation of C3H8 at Pt electrodes were carried out. Studies were made both with half-cells and complete cells. Measurements on C3H8-O2 fuel cells at 130C were initiated. Generally 9 mgsq cm Pt electrodes in 85 H3PO4 were used although some minor work in 80 H3PO4 and with 25 mgsq cm Pt electrodes was also carried out. The results in 85 H3PO4 with 9 mgsq cm Pt electrodes show no initial effect on cell performance due to the presence of either 20 mM or 200 mM Ni2. The self-poisoning characteristics of the anode, however, appear to be improved by the presence of Ni2. With 20 mM Ni2 in 85 H3PO4 and 25 mgsq cm Pt electrodes, there is an initial improvement in cell performance of 35 at 0.44 V, 67 at 0.40 V, and 123 at 0.34 V. In 80 H3PO4, there is an initial enhanced cell performance with 20 mM Ni2 of 70 at 0.69 V, 52 at 0.59 V, and 10 at 0.49 V. The half-cell measurements with a reversible hydrogen electrode showed little effect due to the presence of Ni2. A catalytic effect of the nickel salt of an electrolysis product generated by the DHE is hypothesized to be the cause of the general observation of catalysis. Author

Descriptors:

• *HYDROCARBONS
• *ELECTROCHEMISTRY
• *PROPANE
• *OXIDATION
• *CATALYSIS
• *FUEL CELLS
• *NICKEL
• *ELECTROLYTES
• ELECTRODES
• PLATINUM
• OXYGEN
• ADDITIVES
• ADSORPTION

Subject Categories:

• Physical Chemistry
• Electric Power Production and Distribution

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE