John L. Haan

A microfluidic direct formate fuel cell on paper

We describe the first direct formate fuel cell on a paper microfluidic platform. In traditional membrane‐less microfluidic fuel cells (MFCs), external pumping consumes power produced by the fuel cell in order to maintain co‐laminar flow of the anode stream and oxidant stream to prevent mixing. However, in paper microfluidics, capillary action drives flow while minimizing stream mixing. In this work, we demonstrate a paper MFC that uses formate and hydrogen peroxide as the anode fuel and cathode oxidant, respectively. Using these materials we achieve a maximum power density of nearly 2.5 mW/mg Pd. In a series configuration, our MFC achieves an open circuit voltage just over 1 V, and in a parallel configuration, short circuit of 20 mA absolute current. We also demonstrate that the MFC does not require continuous flow of fuel and oxidant to produce power. We found that we can pre‐saturate the materials on the paper, stop the electrolyte flow, and still produce approximately 0.5 V for 15 min. This type of paper MFC has potential applications in point‐of‐care diagnostic devices and other electrochemical sensors.

Formate: an Energy Storage and Transport Bridge between Carbon Dioxide and a Formate Fuel Cell in a Single Device

We demonstrate the first device to our knowledge that uses a solar panel to power the electrochemical reduction of dissolved carbon dioxide (carbonate) into formate that is then used in the same device to operate a direct formate fuel cell (DFFC). The electrochemical reduction of carbonate is carried out on a Sn electrode in a reservoir that maintains a constant carbon balance between carbonate and formate. The electron-rich formate species is converted by the DFFC into electrical energy through electron release. The product of DFFC operation is the electron-deficient carbonate species that diffuses back to the reservoir bulk. It is possible to continuously charge the device using alternative energy (e.g., solar) to convert carbonate to formate for on-demand use in the DFFC; the intermittent nature of alternative energy makes this an attractive design. In this work, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept device that performs reduction of carbonate, storage of formate, and operation of a DFFC.

An improved alkaline direct formate paper microfluidic fuel cell

Paper‐based microfluidic fuel cells (MFCs) are a potential replacement for traditional FCs and batteries due to their low cost, portability, and simplicity to operate. In MFCs, separate solutions of fuel and oxidant migrate through paper due to capillary action and laminar flow and, upon contact with each other and catalyst, produce electricity. In the present work, we describe an improved microfluidic paper‐based direct formate FC (DFFC) employing formate and hydrogen peroxide as the anode fuel and cathode oxidant, respectively. The dimensions of the lateral column, current collectors, and cathode were optimized. A maximum power density of 2.53 mW/cm2 was achieved with a DFFC of surface area 3.0 cm2, steel mesh as current collector, 5% carbon to paint mass ratio for cathode electrode and, 30% hydrogen peroxide. The longevity of the MFCs detailed herein is greater than eight hours with continuous flow of streams. In a series configuration, the MFCs generate sufficient energy to power light‐emitting diodes and a handheld calculator.

Fabric-based alkaline direct formate microfluidic fuel cells

Fabric‐based microfluidic fuel cells (MFCs) serve as a novel, cost‐efficient alternative to traditional FCs and batteries, since fluids naturally travel across fabric via capillary action, eliminating the need for an external pump and lowering production and operation costs. Building on previous research with Y‐shaped paper‐based MFCs, fabric‐based MFCs mitigate fragility and durability issues caused by long periods of fuel immersion. In this study, we describe a microfluidic fabric‐based direct formate fuel cell, with 5 M potassium formate and 30% hydrogen peroxide as the anode fuel and cathode oxidant, respectively. Using a two‐strip, stacked design, the optimized parameters include the type of encasement, the barrier, and the fabric type. Surface contact of the fabric and laminate sheet expedited flow and respective chemical reactions. The maximum current (22.83 mA/cm2) and power (4.40 mW/cm2) densities achieved with a 65% cotton/35% polyester blend material are a respective 8.7% and 32% higher than previous studies with Y‐shaped paper‐based MFCs. In series configuration, the MFCs generate sufficient energy to power a handheld calculator, a thermometer, and a spectrum of light‐emitting diodes.

Electrocatalysts for the Oxidation of Small Organic Molecules in Alkaline Media

The development of the first practical alkaline anion exchange membrane approximately 10 years ago opened up direct liquid fuel cell research to alkaline media, allowing the use of a wider variety of less noble metal catalysts due to the decreased (or eliminated) corrosion compared to acid media. While Pt-based catalysts are used in many acid fuel cells, Pd has been found to efficiently oxidize various small organic molecules in alkaline media. Much recent progress has been made in the addition of various non-noble admetals and supports in order to improve the oxidation rates of important molecules such as: formate, ethanol, propanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and glycerol. Evidence of significant contributions from the electronic effect and bifunctional effect on catalyst efficiency will be explored, and practical comparisons of each molecule will be made.