PEDOT‐Cellulose Gas Diffusion Electrodes for Disposable Fuel Cells

Abstract

AbstractThe mass implementation of renewable energy sources is limited by the lack of energy storage solutions operating on various timescales. Electrochemical technologies such as supercapacitors and batteries cannot handle long storage time because of self‐discharge issues. The combination of fuel storage technology and fuel cells is an attractive solution for long storage times. In that context, large‐scale fuel cell solutions are required for massive energy storage in cities, which leads to possible concepts such as low‐cost disposable fully organic membrane assemblies in fuel cells to avoid regeneration of expensive poisoned electrodes. Here, the formation of an organic gas diffusion electrode (GDE) fabricated by paper‐making production, combined with in situ polymerization is demonstrated for the first time. Cellulose is used as a 3D scaffold functionalized with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) serving as both an electrical conductor and an electrocatalyst of high efficiency for the oxygen reduction reaction. The PEDOT‐cellulose porous GDE is implemented in a membrane assembly and demonstrated in a H2‐O2 fuel cell. The demonstration of low‐cost material/manufacturing that is environmentally friendly is a paradigm shift in the development of fuel cells for a sustainable society.