Direct-Glycerol Fuel Cell for Portable Power Applications

Keywords:
direct-fuel cell, portable power, alternative fuels

Abstract:
A fuel cell using glycerol as a direct fuel is described. Glycerol is a by-product from the manufacture of biodiesel and is 100% renewable. It offers a clean, green, non-toxic powering option for portable electronics and mobile devices. Using novel membrane configurations we have demonstrated 5-10x greater energy densities compared to typical direct-methanol fuel cells. The enhanced fuel cell performance is described by mass transport phenomena, electrode kinetics, and solution concentration.

Nanotech 2008 Conference Program Abstract