High-power H2/Br2 fuel cell

We report on the properties and performance of a hydrogen-bromine fuel cell based on a nanoporous proton-conducting membrane (NP-PCM), operated with hydrobromic acid. The use of the NP-PCM that consists of a ceramic nano-powder and PVDF is a major advantage in H-2/Br-2 FC, since the fuel cell itself produces an acid (HBr) that serves as an ionic carrier. Maximum power densities of above 1.5 W/cm(2) have been achieved in a 5 cm(2) NP-PCM-based H-2/Br-2 fuel cell under dry-hydrogen feed at 80 degrees C. The energy-conversion efficiency of this cell is very high - close to 90% (about twice that of the hydrogen/air cell). Thus, in view of the fact that bromine is sustained in a closed cycle and with the appropriate safety measures, the H-2/Br-2 (NP-PCM)-based FC is a promising candidate for both high-power RFC, and combined electricity and HBr production. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.