Cs0.86(NH4)1.14SO4Te(OH)6 in porous anodic alumina for micro fuel cell applications

Cs0.86(NH4)1.14SO4Te(OH)6 supported by anodic alumina membranes (AAMs) has been characterized for the first time in H2/O2 fuel cell. The fabricated membrane electrode assemblies are able to produce peak power densities in the range 15–30 mW cm−2 under mild conditions (room temperature, low humidity and low Pt loading) and show an increased durability with cycling with respect to previous results obtained with AAM-based fuel cell. The physico-chemical characterization of the electrolytes has been carried out through X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy and micro-raman analysis. An estimation of the composite membranes conductance under fuel cell operation has been carried out from I–V characteristics and EIS measurements at room temperature.

Research highlights
► Cs0.86(NH4)1.14SO4Te(OH)6 as filler of anodic alumina membranes (AAMs) is characterized for the first time in 25 °C H2/O2 fuel cell.
► Peak power densities in the range 15–30 mW cm−2 under mild conditions are obtained.
► An improved stability of the fuel cell to cell potential cycling with respect to previous results relating to AAM-based fuel cell is observed.
► The high conductance of the electrolyte (0.2–1.5 mS/cm) estimated from polarization curves and impedance measurements suggests possible involvement of water molecules in the proton transport.