Optimization of the Operation Conditions in a Direct Borohydride Fuel Cell with Carbon Supported Au Anode

Abstract

In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) based on a five variable central composite design (CCD) is employed for the optimization of the direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC) operation conditions, where the variables are the catalyst loading, cell temperature, borohydride concentration, and flow rates of fuel and oxidant. The main effects, quadratic effects, and interactions of the five variables on the power density of fuel cell are investigated by the analysis of variance. The carbon supported Au as the anode catalyst is used to control the hydrolysis of sodium borohydride under operating conditions. The results showed that the catalyst loading is the most significant factor on the power density. Under the operation conditions of 0.52 mg/cm2 catalyst loading, 80 °C fuel cell temperature, 3.28 L/min fuel and 0.27 L/min oxidant flow rate, and 1.5 M borohydride concentration, the maximum power density of 37.15 mW/cm2 is obtained.