Fuel cells

摘要

This invention provides a redox fuel cell comprising an anode and a cathode separated by an ion selective polymer electrolyte membrane; means for supplying a fuel to the anode region of the cell; means for supplying an oxidant to the cathode region of the cell; means for providing an electrical circuit between the anode and the cathode; a non-volatile catholyte solution flowing in fluid communication with the cathode, the catholyte solution comprising a redox mediator which is at least partially reduced at the cathode in operation of the cell, and at least partially regenerated by, optionally indirect, reaction with the oxidant after such reduction at the cathode, and a transition metal complex of a multidentate N-donor ligand as a redox catalyst catalyzing the regeneration of the mediator.

主权项

1. A redox fuel cell comprising:
an anode region comprising an anode and a cathode region comprising a cathode, said regions being separated by an ion selective polymer electrolyte membrane; a fuel passage through which fuel is supplied to the anode region of the cell; an oxidant inlet that supplies an oxidant to the cathode region of the cell; an electrical circuit between the anode and the cathode; and a catholyte solution comprising at least one non-volatile catholyte component flowing in fluid communication with the cathode, the catholyte solution comprising a redox mediator and a separate redox catalyst, wherein the redox mediator is at least partially reduced at the cathode in operation of the cell, and at least partially regenerated by reaction with the oxidant after such reduction at the cathode; wherein the catholyte solution comprises a complexed multidentate N-donor ligand as the redox catalyst.