Journal of Power Sources 2018-04-07

A novel differential electrochemical mass spectrometry method to determine the product distribution from parasitic Methanol oxidation reaction on oxygen reduction reaction catalysts

Tilman Jurzinsky, Philipp Kurzhals, Carsten Cremers

Index: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2018.04.002

Full Text: HTML

Abstract

The oxygen reduction reaction is in research focus since several decades due to its importance for the overall fuel cell performance. In direct methanol fuel cells, the crossover of methanol and its subsequent parasitic oxidation are main issues when it comes to preventing fuel cell performance losses. In this work, we present a novel differential electrochemical mass spectrometry method to evaluate oxygen reduction reaction catalysts on their tolerance to methanol being present at the cathode. Besides this, the setup allows to measure under more realistic fuel cell conditions than typical rotating disc electrode measurements, because the oxygen reduction reaction is evaluated in gaseous phase and a gas diffusion electrode is used as working electrode. Due to the new method, it was possible to investigate the oxygen reduction reaction on two commonly used catalysts (Pt/C and Pt3Co/C) in absence and presence of methanol. It was found, that Pt3Co/C is less prone to parasitic current losses due to methanol oxidation reaction. By connecting a mass spectrometer to the electrochemical cell, the new method allows to determine the products formed on the catalysts due to parasitic methanol electrooxidation.

Latest Articles:

Liquid water breakthrough location distances on a gas diffusion layer of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

2018-04-07

[10.1016/j.jpowsour.2018.04.004]

A self-supported metal-organic framework derived Co3O4 film prepared by an in-situ electrochemically assistant process as Li ion battery anodes

2018-04-06

[10.1016/j.jpowsour.2018.04.001]

Sliding mode observer for proton exchange membrane fuel cell: automotive application

2018-04-06

[10.1016/j.jpowsour.2018.03.057]

Na1.25Ni1.25Fe1.75(PO4)3 nanoparticles as a janus electrode material for Li-ion batteries

2018-04-02

[10.1016/j.jpowsour.2018.03.069]

Surface-protected LiCoO2 with ultrathin solid oxide electrolyte film for high-voltage lithium ion batteries and lithium polymer batteries

2018-04-02

[10.1016/j.jpowsour.2018.03.076]

More Articles...