Low Cost Oxygen Electrodes

The purpose of the research was the development of a low cost air electrode for medium temperature (130C) immobilized phosphoric acid (matrix) fuel cell. Thin carbon electrode structures were fabricated and catalyzed with the minimum amount of platinum which produced a H2-air cell performance of 0.6-volt cell terminal voltage at 80 mA/sq cm, after 500 hours operation. By using special techniques of electrode manufacturing and catalyst application, a reduction of the Pt amount to a level of 1 to 2 mg Pt/sq cm was accomplished. A level of electrode performance near to the contract goals has been achieved. Other aspects of this investigation, such as analytical techniques and kinetic studies, are also discussed. (Author)