Formic acid fuel cell

rdf:langString Formic acid fuel cell

rdf:langString Formic acid fuel cells (direct formic acid fuel cells or DFAFCs) are a subcategory of direct liquid-feed fuel cells (DLFCs), in which the liquid fuel is directly oxidized (electrochemically) at the anode instead of reforming to produce hydrogen. Formic acid-based fuel cells represent a promising energy supply system in terms of high volumetric energy density, theoretical energy efficiency, and theoretical open-circuit voltage. They are also able to overcome certain problems inherent to traditional hydrogen (H2) feed fuel cells such as safe handling, storage, and H2 transportation. There are 3 main types of DFAFCs: * Active DFAFCs, where a pump feeds the liquid fuel ito the anode and ogygen in compressed air to the cathode. * Active air-breathing DFAFCs, where the cathode is exposed to the oxygen present in ambient air. * Passive air-breathing DFAFCs, where there are no mechanical components injecting fuels and oxygen into the cell. The feeding of fuels and air into a cell increases its energy output, at the cost of price and size/portability. Today, the main applications of DFAFCs include small, portable electronics, medical diagnostic devices, as well as larger fixed power applications and electric vehicles.