Cost-effective Materials for Direct Borohydride Fuel Cells

A direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC) is considered as an attractive energy conversion device. Cost and performance are two major factors affecting the commercialization of DBFCs. This research attempts to develop high-performance membrane electrolyte and electrode for DBFCs using low-cost materials. An effective anode consisting of Ni-based composite electrocatalysts loaded on Ni foam substrate was developed and employed. The use of Ni-based catalyst provides a solution for cost reduction. Chitosan, a cost-effective and eco-friendly material, was employed to prepare both electrode binder and polymer electrolyte. Chitosan membrane gave more than 50 % higher power performance than the commercial Nafion (R) membranes in DBFCs and costs less than 10% of the cost of Nafion (R).