High-performance direct hydrogen peroxide fuel cells (DHPFCs) with silver nanowire-graphene hybrid aerogel as highly-conductive mesoporous electrodes

Abstract

Direct hydrogen peroxide fuel cells have inspired the benign interests for air-independent submarine and underwater unmanned electronic applications. Yet, the process of H2O2 reduction reaction is significantly hindered by the sluggish electron transfer kinetics and poor mass transport efficiency. Herein, a three-dimensional monolithic silver nanowire aerogel assisted by the graphene monolayers is prepared, and validated as a promising H2O2 reduction catalyst. The interconnected, continuous aerogels and the substrate-free features allow the electron rapid flow and mass transport. Attributed to above advantages, the composites exhibit a high effectiveness and a low impedance during the catalysis. The direct hydrogen peroxide fuel cell equipped with these hybrid aerogels delivers a maximum power density of 1.4 W g−1 and 11.25 W g−1 $−1 based on the electrode weight and capital cost, which are substantially higher than previous values. The concept of building three-dimensional aerogels as self-standing electrodes provides a method for designing and manufacturing next-generation direct hydrogen peroxide fuel cells to bring the technology much closer to commercialization.