Won Suk Jung1, Jonghee Han1, and Su Ha2. (1) Fuel Cell Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 39-1 Hawolgok-dong, Seongbuk-gu, 136-791, Seoul, South Korea, (2) School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, PO Box 642710, Pullman, WA 99164-2710
In this study, we used the electrochemical impedance spectra to evaluate the anode performance of direct formic acid fuel cell (DFAFC), and how its anode charge transfer resistance (Ranode,ct) and electrolyte resistance (Rele) are affected by various cell operating parameters. These parameters that we have investigated in this study include the anode overpotentials, cell operation times, formic acid feed concentrations and cell temperatures. The anode impedance spectra demonstrated that the Ranode,ct and Rele are low for the DFAFC using 5M formic acid feed concentration, which leads to its high power density output of 250 mW/cm2 at 0.35 V and 30oC. This high performance of the DFAFC shows that it has a great potential for portable power applications. The Ranode,ct increases gradually as either the cell operation time increases or the formic acid feed concentration is raised from 10M to 15M, which leads to deactivations of the anode and the overall cell performances. However, these deactivation processes are reversible and the cell performance can be easily reactivated.