Power Generation Characteristics of the Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cell using Silica Containing Carbon Nanofiber as the Anode Supports

摘要

In order to prepare a high Pd-containing Pd/SECNF (SiO_2 embedded carbon nanofiber) catalyst, which showed a high formic acid oxidation reaction activity, the effect of the ultrasonication time and frequency before the chemical reduction process was investigated. It was found that 45 kHz and 45 min were the optimum conditions. Based on these conditions, Pd/SECNF containing 80 wt% Pd was successfully prepared. Using this catalyst for the DFAFC anode, the power generation characteristics were evaluated. It was found that the performance was similar to the conventional DFAFC using Pd/C as the anode catalyst although the catalytic activity of the Pd/SECNF was higher than that of Pd/C. This is due to the high anode mass transport resistance in the anode catalyst layer when using Pd/SECNF.