Process Study of Nanosized Powder Dispersion for DEFC

Abstract:

The process of obtaining a uniform dispersion of nanosized powders by applying two step process of mixing and adjusting viscosity was studied. The mixed paste was used as the electrode of direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFC). And power density of the fuel cells was measured. A high power density was realized by addition of acetone and propanol solvents to nanosized silica powder. However acetaldehyde concentration during the operation of these fuel cells did not decrease. An excess methanol was added to membrane electrode assembly composition of DEFC. The power density and current of DEFC were improved by adding methanol solvent. However, methanol addition over 55 % did not improve dispersion of nanosized powders. Transmission electron microscopy observation suggests that over 55% of methanol addition does not give good dispersion of nanosized powders.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 617)
• Pages: 85-88
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.617.85
• Online since: June 2014
• Authors: Koichi Niwa, Toshiaki Tanaka, Yasuro Ikuma*
• Keywords: Direct Ethanol Fuel Cell (DEFC), Mixing Process, Nanosized Powder, Silicon Oxide

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