Electrode R&D, stack design and performance of biomass-based alkaline fuel cell module

Electrode formulations with di}erent materials and manufacturing techniques were tested electrochemically in order to assess their stability and activity in long!term operations. Cathode electrocatalysts such as CoTPP, Ca0.9La0.1MnO3 and Pt-Co alloys were incorporated in high surface area carbons and operated at a constant load of 100 mA cm-2 80C and an electrolyte concentration of 6M KOH. Similarly, anode catalysts with Pt-Pd bimetallic combinations were also tested and ascertained in half!cell measurements. Surface area measurements and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analyses were carried out both before and after the electrochemical test procedures. The electrodes were incorporated into a seven and two cell module design of the external and internal manifolding types and the experiences gained from these design principles are described, respectively. Furthermore, a biomass fed AFC module with all the system descriptions, steps, and a demonstration layout of producer gas to alkaline fuel cell are examined and discussed. Wood charcoal and agro-residues were used as feedstock and as a primary fuel. Power output of the different feedstock in a producer gas fed alkaline fuel cell has the shown potentiality and effciency to be applied as a stand alone power generator.