The proton exchange membrane fuel cell systems using methanolysis of sodium borohydride as a hydrogen source with cobalt catalysts

ABSTRACT

Constant hydrogen generation via a hydrogen generator is evaluated from the methanolysis of sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) using Co/Al₂O₃ and MnO_x/Al₂O₃ catalysts. Chemical borohydrides coupled with catalysts can be used for compact storage and to create efficient generation systems. Thus, we first report the catalytic activity of MnO_x/Al₂O₃, which is synthesized using the simple wet-impregnation method, for the methanolysis reaction. The results indicate that both catalysts can effectively accelerate the methanolysis reaction and provide constant hydrogen generation rates. Thus, we integrate this hydrogen generation system into a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack (PEMFC) to determine whether it can be used as a portable power supply. As a result, this fuel cell system operates at 40 W for 1 hr using the hydrogen source supplied from the catalytic methanolysis reaction.

KEYWORDS:

• Cobalt and manganese catalysts
• hydrogen generator
• methanolysis reaction
• proton exchange membrane fuel cell
• sodium borohydride

Funding

This research was conducted with financial support from the program of the Agency for Defense Development, studying effective storage of solar energy and electrical system optimization methods coupled with fuel cell systems.