Group Invents Electrolyte-Free Fuel Cell

It is difficult to predict whether the hydrocarbon economy will be ousted by the cleaner hydrogen economy…or by something else. But one thing is sure; it will all come down to cost.

Hydrogen fuel cells are currently expensive to produce, generally consisting of three components, cathode, anode, and electrolyte – and with all the ensuing complexities. Now, however, Dr. Bin Zhu and his team in Stockholm have achieved a breakthrough in fuel cell technology by developing a radical electrolyte-free single-layer fuel cell. The device consists of a homogenous composite layer of a metal oxide and an ionic conductor. This layer works as a bicatalyst. When H2 is supplied to one side of the device, it is ionized to H+, releasing electrons. The side exposed to O2 then acts as a cathode, receiving the electrons and producing 02-. During this process, a cell potential is generated and energy can be taken out of the device, with water being the only side-product.

Conventional fuel cells generate electricity by ion transportation through the electrolyte. However, this new device works without an electrolyte, and all processes occur at particle surfaces in the material. This streamlined design should help pave the way towards more cost efficient fuel cells and perhaps even the arrival of the hydrogen economy.

Source: Hilary Gallagher, MaterialsViews.com