AA NiMH battery.Alkaline fuel cell technology analysis

Alkaline fuel cells brought to you by electronic enthusiasts, alkaline fuel cells Alkaline fuel cells are the fastest growing type of battery in this technology and are mainly used for space missions, including space shuttles. Alkaline fuel cells are the technology The fastest growing type of battery, it mainly provides power and drinking water for space missions, including space shuttles. The design of an alkaline fuel cell is basically similar to that of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, but the electrolyte used is an aqueous solution or a stable potassium hydroxide matrix, and the electrochemical reaction also involves hydroxyl groups (OH) moving from the cathode to the anode to react with hydrogen The generation of water and electrons is slightly different. These electrons are used to power an external circuit before returning to the cathode to react with oxygen and water to produce more hydroxyl ions. The operating temperature of alkaline fuel cells is similar to that of proton exchange membrane fuel cells, about 80°C. Therefore, they start up quickly, but their power density is about ten times lower than that of proton exchange membrane fuel cells, making them quite cumbersome to use in cars. However, they are among the cheapest to produce among fuel cells and can therefore be used in small, stationary power generation installations. Like PEM fuel cells, alkaline fuel cells are very sensitive to carbon monoxide and other impurities that can contaminate the catalyst. In addition, its raw materials cannot contain carbon monoxide, because carbon monoxide can react with potassium hydroxide electrolyte to form potassium carbonate, which will reduce the performance of the battery.