Development of H<sub>2</sub>/O<sub>2</sub> Fuel Cell Based on Proton Conducting P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>-SiO<sub>2</sub>-PMA Glasses as Electrolyte

Abstract

Sol-gel derived high proton conducting P2O5-SiO2-PMA (phosphomolybdic acid, H3PMo12O40 nH2O) glasses as electrolyte were used for the H2/O2 fuel cell performance at 30 °C under humidification with H2- based gas at the anode and O2- based gas at the cathode. The performance of the electrode was evaluated by the measurement of cell potential-current density plots. While the polarization curve yields data related to basic cell performance, more detailed information can be found by electrochemical measurements with an impedance analyzer. The power density shows a similar pattern to current density. The maximum power density value of 16.2 mW/cm2 was achieved with 0.1 mg/cm2 of Pt/C loading electrode and P2O5-SiO2-PMA (4-92-4 mol %) at 30°C with 30 % humidity. The glass membrane here plays a key role as electrolyte medium for proton transport and barrier to avoid the direct contact between fuel and oxygen.