Computational modeling of a thread-based microfluidic fuel cell with carbon fiber electrodes

Abstract

Thread-based microfluidic fuel cells are promising micro power sources for portable and wearable electronic devices. In this study, a three-dimensional computational model is developed for a thread-based microfluidic fuel cell with carbon fiber electrodes. The interaction of fluid flow, species transport and electrochemical reactions is elucidated. The cell polarization curve obtained from modeling is validated by the experimental data. Moreover, effects of operational parameters and structural parameters on the cell performance and mass transport are further investigated. Results demonstrate that the presence of the intermediate flow channel can effectively prevent the reactant crossover and the parasitic current density is negligible. Appropriate increase in the reactant concentration is beneficial to yield uniform concentration distribution and enhance the mass transfer. Besides, the peak power density is only increased by 0.7% when the flow rate of anolyte and catholyte is increased by four times. Additionally, lowering the electrode spacing and the electrode porosity result in the superior cell performance. With the electrode spacing of 3 mm and the electrode porosity of 0.6, the peak power density of 34.6 mW cm−2 and the maximum current density of 112.5 mA cm−2 are achieved. This work provides theoretical guidance for future development and optimization for thread-based microfluidic fuel cells.