Direct Energy Conversion Fuel Cell Using Ethylene Glycol with Non-Precious Metal Catalysts

The proposed work will evaluate a new class of non-precious metal anode catalysts for Direct Ethylene Glycol Fuel Cells (DEGFC) in practical fuel cell hardware. The influence of catalyst composition and morphology on processing method, and on anode polarization will be investigated. The improved electrooxidation catalysts, together with low membrane cross-over rates and the potential to use very concentrated fuel/water mixes, forms the basis of a liquid feed fuel cell which exceeds the Direct Methanol Fuel Cell specific energy and energy density. The new catalysts incorporate only non-precious metals for reduced cost. Methods will be developed for processing membrane electrode assemblies to incorporate the new catalysts.