Comparison of the Electrochemical Oxidation of Borohydride and Dimethylamine Borane on Platinum Electrodes: Implication for Direct Fuel Cells

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2008

Authors

J. L. Martins (Author) FEUP; M. C. Nunes (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Power Sources

Vol. 175 No. 1

Pages: 244-249

ISSN: 0378-7753

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 22 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 28 Citations

INSPEC

COMPENDEX

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Other engineering and technologies

CORDIS: Technological sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-004-23J

DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2007.09.028

Abstract (EN): The electrochemical behaviour of dimethylamine borane and borohydride on platinum electrodes was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and polarization curves in discharges processes. Several overlapping peaks appear in the domain of hydrogen oxidation, i.e., in the potential range of −1.25 V to −0.50 V versus Ag/AgCl, mainly with the borohydride. This behaviour is associated with the hydrolysis of BH4− or (CH3)2NHBH3. As a consequence of secondary reactions the borohydride and dimethylamine borane oxidation in 3 M NaOH solution shows, respectively, a four- to six-electron process and a four- to five-electron process in direct fuel cells. The direct oxidation of the borohydride exhibits a peak at about −0.07 V versus Ag/AgCl, while the dimethylamine borane peak is at about −0.03 V versus Ag/AgCl. For the 0.04 M concentration the borohydride displays a power density of 31 W m−2 which is 16% higher than that of the dimethylamine borane.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific