Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: Ls_minion on 29/04/2013 20:23:20

Title: Can you recommend a low-cost catalyst for a hydrogen fuel cell experiment?
Post by: Ls_minion on 29/04/2013 20:23:20

I'm doing a project involving Hydrogen fuel cells, and it's rather low budget so I can't afford Platinum or Palladium catalysts. Any suggestions as to an affordable catalyst for my fuel cell?

Title: Re: Can you recommend a low-cost catalyst for a hydrogen fuel cell experiment?
Post by: chiralSPO on 11/08/2013 01:00:46

You might have luck using nickel on the hydrogen side and cobalt (pre-oxidized on the surface) on the oxygen side. The greater the surface area, the better they will work.

Be VERY careful with hydrogen, and make sure the hydrogen side of the fuel cell is air-free before adding hydrogen (or before adding the Ni electrode). Nickel can catalyze the combustion of a hydrogen and oxygen mixture (basically a short circuited fuel cell, which is effectively spontaneous combustion).

What sort of budget are you on? How are you getting the hydrogen?