A high performance direct borohydride fuel cell employing cross-linked chitosan membrane

► Cross-linked chitosan (CCS) membrane was employed in a direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC) for the first time. Chitosan is a cost-effective and eco-friendly material. ► Ionic conductivity and borohydride crossover rate were measured for the CCS membrane. ► CCS membrane showed higher electrochemical performance than Nafion® membrane in a DBFC. ► Chitosan chemical hydrogel showed better performance than Nafion® as binder in a DBFC. ► The chitosan-based DBFC exhibited a stable fuel cell performance for 100 h.