High-performance Propane Fuel Cells

Abstract

IN April 1963, a high-performance fuel cell for saturated hydrocarbons was announced1. The cell contained platinum electrodes, a phosphoric acid electrolyte, and operated in the range 150°–200° C. It was noted also that a number of hydrocarbons, including methane, propane, n-octane, and n-cetane, could be utilized by the cell with complete oxidation to carbon dioxide and water being achieved. More recently an E.M.F.-current density curve and carbon dioxide yield data were published for a propane–oxygen fuel cell operating at 150° C with an electrolyte of 85 per cent (14.6 M) H3PO4 (refs. 2 and 3).