Lifetime Studies in H 2 / Br2 Fuel Cells

Abstract

A fully computerized system has been set up for the life testing of H2 electrodes in 48% HBr, and of H2/Br2 fuel cells. Given a fuel cell design with dry H2 and no analyte loop, the prime parameters influencing the operating lifetime are the hydrophobicity of the anode and the electrolyte transport property of the membrane. A systematic optimization of all the parameters has generated fuel cells that have operated for 10,000h at 310 mA/cm2, with no significant degradation.