Cotton fibres with fine glass flakes-gel paste: a novel matrix-electrolyte hybrid for enhanced power generation and durable operation of fuel cell

摘要

Cotton fibres with fine glass flakes (CFGF), a new solid matrix, is reported here for soaking and retaining more electrolyte and water that aids to enhance proton conductivity above that of conventional glass mat-phosphoric acid electrolyte. Further, layering of all inorganic gel paste (GP) electrolytes on CFGF reduces the charge transport resistance, Warburg impedance and diffusion time, and enhances the proton conductivity. The use of sandwiched GP-CFGF-GP hybrid electrolyte in fuel cell offers higher power density, durability and higher allowable operating temperature up to 180 degrees C.