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:
- *HYDROCARBONS
- *CATALYSTS
- *FUEL CELLS
- COPPER ALLOYS
- INDIUM ALLOYS
- CARBIDES
- PLATINUM
- NICKEL ALLOYS
- ELECTROLYTES
- IODIDES
- HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
- COBALT ALLOYS
- BUTANES
- PHOSPHORIC ACIDS
- POTASSIUM COMPOUNDS
- PHOSPHATES
- SULFURIC ACID
- TUNGSTEN ALLOYS
- CATHODES(ELECTROLYTIC CELL)
- SODIUM COMPOUNDS
- PHOSPHINE
- IRON ALLOYS
- CATALYSIS
- ELECTRIC POWER PRODUCTION
- HYDROGEN
- REDUCTION
- OXYGEN
Subject Categories:
- Electric Power Production and Distribution