Accession Number:

AD0802671

Title:

HYDROCARBON-AIR FUEL CELL

Descriptive Note:

Semi-annual rept. no. 5, 1 Jan-31 Jul 1966

Corporate Author:

ESSO RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING CO LINDEN NJ GOVERNMENT RESEARCH LAB

Personal Author(s):

Report Date:

1966-10-01

Pagination or Media Count:

125.0

Abstract:

Studies aimed at the development of a direct hydrocarbon-air fuel system for moderate temperature and pressure operation indicates that anode electrocatalysis is the key problem area. Consequently, research during this report period emphasized studies aimed at 1 improving platinum catalyst utilization and 2 developing a non-noble metal hydrocarbon catalyst. Two classes of compounds which meet the electrocatalyst requirements, the tungsten bronzes and the eta-phase carbides, were investigated. None of the carbides tested showed significant activity. However, a NiO.237WO3 tungsten bronze has shown catalytic activity on hydrogen in 90 C sulfuric acid without any evidence of corrosion. Work aimed at improving noble metal utilization through the use of improved supports, co-supports and decomposition techniques has resulted in an improved butane catalyst. Tests in 150 C phosphoric acid yielded a current density of 80 masq cm at a loading of only 3.2 mg Ptsq cm. An alternate route to improved electrolytes should significantly improve power densities with noble metals and some are sufficiently non-corrosive to be useful with non-noble metal catalysts. Pyrophosphoric acid and mixed alkali metal hydrogen phosphates have sustained high current densities at both the hydrocarbon anode and oxygen cathode.

Descriptors:

Subject Categories:

  • Electric Power Production and Distribution

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE


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