A possible future fuel cell: the peroxide/peroxide fuel cell

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the reduction/oxidation by-products of peroxide are non-toxic to humans and the environment. Simple, low-concentration hydrogen-peroxide solutions used as fuel and direct peroxide/peroxide fuel cells (DPPFCs) face significant challenges in the development of a new class of power generators. A power density of 10 mWcm(-2) at a cell potential of 0.55V have been achieved with a DPPFC composed of carbon-paper-supported nickel as the anode catalyst and carbon-paper PbSO4 as the cathode catalyst. The catalysts have been prepared by electroless deposition. Using non-precious metals rather than platinum in our FC makes the cell cost effective comparable to that of PEMFCs. Additionally, as a low-price fuel, H2O2 reduces the cost of this FC. Copyright (c) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.