Investigation on the performance of direct borohydride fuel cell by using statistical approach

Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert chemical energy to electrical energy as long as the fuel and oxidant is supplied. Direct borohydride fuel cells (DBFCs) are a promising option especially for portable applications. DBFCs are facing two main problems: NaBH4 cross over and hydrolysis. The borohydride oxidation pathway can change depending on the catalyst type and operation conditions. In this work, a DBFC employing PtRu/C as the anode and Pt/C as the cathode catalyst is used to control the hydrolysis of NaBH4 by operation conditions. The experimental design method is used and ANOVA contributing factors which influence on the power density of DBFC are identified with the help of DESIGN EXPERT software. The effects of cell temperature, borohydride concentration, flow rates of fuel and oxidant on the performance of DBFCs are investigated by using statistical approach in design and analyzing of experiments. The maximum power density is observed at 80 °C fuel cell temperature, 1,5 M NaBH4 concentration, 5 cm³min⁻¹ flow of anolyte and 0.2 dm⁻³ min⁻¹ flow of air.