Advances in producing cost-effective direct borohydride fuel cells and road to its commercialization

A direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC) converts chemical energy stored in borohydride ion (BH4-) and an oxidant directly into electricity by redox processes. Usually, a DBFC employs an alkaline solution of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as fuel and oxygen or hydrogen peroxide as oxidant. Some of the attractive features in DBFC include high open circuit potential, ease of electro-oxidation of BH4- on non-precious metals, such as nickel, low operational temperature and high power density. The DBFC is a promising power system for portable applications. The biggest barriers to its commercialization are its high cost and long-term stability. This paper discusses some of the recent advances made in reducing the cost of DBFC. The technology is reaching a point where it could soon be commercialized. The effect of the reduced cost on its commercialization is discussed in this paper.