The Application Of Novel Microfiber Carbon Electrodes To Magnesium-Hydrogen Peroxide Semi Fuel Cells

摘要

A novel cathode morphology is being developed for use in Mg/ H_2O_2 semi fuel cells. The electrodes consist of carbon microfibers (10 urn diameter x 0.5 to 1.5 mm length) that protrude from a current collector like the bristles of a brush. The preparation method, electrostatic flocking, is a widely used textile technique. The electrodes are prepared by accelerating the microfibers through an electric filed ( > 75 kV in air) into a wet carbon-based ink which has been coated onto a carbon paper support. After curing, the ink electrically connects the fibers to the carbon paper current collector. A Pd:lr catalyst is electrochemically deposited on the carbon microfibers to facilitate the reduction of H_2O_2. The effect of electrode and catalyst morphology on the cathode rate capability is reported upon. Polarization and constant current results show these high electrolyte penetration (HEIP) electrodes significantly improve the rate capability of the Mg/ H_2O_2 semi fuel cell.