Nanotextured Metal Copper Substrates as Powerful and Long-Lasting Fuel Cell Anodes

March 25, 2011

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Abstract

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Fuel cells (FCs) are promising electrochemical devices that convert chemical energy of fuels directly into electrical energy. We present a new anode material based on nanotextured metal copper for fuel cell applications. We have demonstrated that low-cost copper catalyst anodes act as highly efficient and ultra-long-lasting materials for the direct electro-oxidation of ammonia−borane and additional amine derivatives. High power densities of ca. 1W·cm−2 (ca. −1 V vs Ag/AgCl at 1 A) are readily achieved at room temperature. We fabricate fuel cell devices based on our nanotextured Cu anodes in combination with commercial air cathodes.