Optimization of the Electrolyte Parameters and Components in Zinc Particle Fuel Cells

Thangavel Sangeetha,K Huang,Wu-Fu Cheng,Po-Tuan Chen,Wei-Mon Yan

doi:10.3390/en12061090

Thangavel Sangeetha, K Huang + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/en12061090

Copy DOI

Abstract

Zinc (Zn)-air fuel cells (ZAFC) are a widely-acknowledged type of metal air fuel cells, but optimization of several operational parameters and components will facilitate enhanced power performance. This research study has been focused on the investigation of ZAFC Zn particle fuel with flowing potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte. Parameters like optimum electrolyte concentration, temperature, and flow velocity were optimized. Moreover, ZAFC components like anode current collector and cathode conductor material were varied and the appropriate materials were designated. Power performance was analyzed in terms of open circuit voltage (OCV), power, and current density production and were used to justify the results of the study. The flow rate of the electrolyte was determined as 150 mL/min in the self-designed configuration. KOH electrolyte of 40 wt% concentration, at a temperature of 55 to 65 ℃, and with a flow velocity of 0.12 m/s was considered to be beneficial for the ZAFCs operated in this study. Nickel mesh with a surface area of 400 cm2 was chosen as anode current collector and copper plate was considered as cathode conductor material in the fuel cells designed and operated in this study. The power production of this study was better compared to some previously published works. Thus, effective enhancement and upgrading process of the ZAFCs will definitely provide great opportunities for their applications in the future.

Highlights

The demands for energy have triggered issues like the energy crisis, climate change, and environmental pollution
Results and Discussion of the ZAFC was performed at room temperature with an increasing current of 1 A per minute, using
An attempt has been made in this study to construct and operate ZAFCs with Zn particle as anode fuel and flowing KOH electrolyte

Summary

Introduction

The demands for energy have triggered issues like the energy crisis, climate change, and environmental pollution. Fossil fuels are unreliable and unsustainable due to their depleting supplies and negative impacts on the environment [1]. In recent years, the development of renewable energy has propelled and accelerated the inevitable transition from fossil fuels to next-generation power sources. Researchers are focusing on alternative, renewable, and carbon-neutral energy sources which are necessary for economic and environmental sustainability [2]. Among various renewable energy sources, fuel cells which are capable of converting chemical energy through electrochemical reaction of cathode and anode into electric energy are Energies 2019, 12, 1090; doi:10.3390/en12061090 www.mdpi.com/journal/energies. Zinc (Zn)-air fuel cells (ZAFCs) have various advantages such as (i) abundant availability of raw Zn in the earth; (ii) stable discharge performance; (iii) being environmentally friendly in nature; and (iv) effective utilization for energy storage purposes [3]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion