A direct borohydride-peroxide fuel cell using a Pd/Ir alloy coated microfibrous carbon cathode

A direct borohydride fuel cell with a Pd/Ir catalysed microfibrous carbon cathode and a gold-catalysed microporous carbon cloth anode is reported. The fuel and oxidant were NaBH4 and H2O2, at concentrations within the range of 0.1-2.0 mol dm(-3) and 0.05-0.45 mol dm(-3), respectively. Different combinations of these reactants were examined at 10, 25 and 42 degrees C. At constant current density between 0 and 113 mA cm(-2), the Pd/Ir coated microfibrous carbon electrode proved more active for the reduction of peroxide ion than a platinised-carbon one. The maximum power density achieved was 78 mW cm(-2) at a current density of 71 mA cm(-2) and a cell voltage of 1.09 V. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.