Generating fuels for SAFCs from electrochemical reduction of CO2/HCO3 – on metal nanoparticle decorated N doped carbon Fibers.

摘要

Formic acid with its volumetric capacity of 53 g/L of hydrogen is a best choice as liquid hydrogen carrier for fuel cell applications [1]. Sodium or potassium salts of formic acid, formate, is used as fuel in alkaline Direct Formate Fuel cells (DFFC). Other than energy applications formic acid is having wide application in food, agriculture and leather industries. Formic acid/formate can be produced from the electrochemical reduction of CO2. But converting CO2 to formate in a selective and efficient manner remains a major challenge. It is reported that the electrochemical CO2 reduction at higher alkaline solutions enhances the production of formate [2, 3]. Also earlier studies suggest the possibilities of direct electroreduction of bicarbonates (stored CO2 [3]) to formate [3-5]. Here we studied the possibilities of selective and efficient production of formate from the electrochemical reduction of CO2 and bicarbonate on Sn/ SnO metal nanoparticles over N doped carbon fiber.