AFC Electrolyte, Electrode, and Catalyst

AFCs can be operated at a wide range of temperatures and pressures. It is also the case that their range of applications is quite restricted. The result of this is that there is no standard type of electrode for the AFC, and different approaches are taken depending on performance requirements, cost limits. 

AFC System Year Temperature (°C) Pressure (kPa) Electrolyte Configuration Catalyst Anode-Cathode Performance 

Russian photon system, 1993 100 120 Static Pt-Pt Efficiency 65V-757o 

Source Adapted from M. Warshay and P. R. Prokopius, Journal Power Sources, 29,193-200,1990. 

Operating temperature, and pressure. A significant cost advantage of AFCs is that both anode and cathode reactions can be effectively catalyzed with nonprecious, relatively inexpensive metals. The AFC has been developed and operated with a variety of catalysts over a very broad range of temperature, pressure, and electrolyte solution concentration. Table 9.1 shows some of the operational parameters for a selection of AFC systems built and tested throughout the years. 

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