A plate-frame flow-through microfluidic fuel cell stack

We present a plate-frame microfluidic fuel cell architecture with porous flow-through electrodes. The architecture combines the advantages of recent microfluidic fuel cells with those of traditional plate-frame PEM fuel cells and enables vertical stacking with little dead volume. Peak current and power densities of 15.7 mA cm−2 and 5.8 mW cm−2 were observed. In addition to the new plate-frame architecture, microfabrication techniques have been used to create a new form of high performance electrode. Laser ablation of a polymer precursor followed by a pyrolysis process was used to create a thin, low-cost micro-porous electrode that provides for more rapid reactant transport. Here we show a 140% increase in power density compared to commercial carbon fiber paper.

► Microfluidic fuel cell with flow-through electrodes in a plate-frame configuration. ► Device demonstrated requires little overhead space and is readily expanded. ► Laser ablation of a polymer precursor used to create micro porous electrodes. ► 140% increase in power shown using microfabricated electrode.