This research demonstrates enhanced performance in direct formate fuel cells, highlighting ionomer tuning's role in overcoming alkali-free challenges.
Key Points
The aim is to enhance the performance of direct formate fuel cells under alkali-free conditions by optimizing ionomer loading and utilizing a cation-exchange membrane.
Combined cation-exchange membrane with cationic ionomers in catalyst layers
Systematically examined ionomer loading effects
Optimized the anode ionomer content to an I/C ratio of 0.83
Analyzed fuel-composition and proton transport dynamics
Achieved peak power density of 92 mW·cm −2, more than twice previous alkali-free values
Demonstrated proton transport as the primary mechanism over Na+ transport in alkali-free operation
Reduced ionomer content enhanced oxygen transport and catalytic access
Increased HCOO− crossover and voltage decay observed with lower ionomer loading