Fuel Cells Rely Only on Water and Air

In a finding that could innovate the field of small electronic devices, experts recently created a new type of fuel cells that only need water and a warm breeze to function. The German research team behind the investigation says that possible applications for their energy-storage device could include powering up small sensors at remote locations, such as those keeping an eye on volcanoes and other natural “hot spots.” Additionally, the fuel cells could be placed on military monitoring and surveillance equipment, ensuring a higher degree of autonomy, and prolonging their lifetime, AlphaGalileo reports.

The innovation has considerable advantages over other, existing power cells. Unlike similar devices that function based on hydrogen, methanol or hydrides, the device only needs air and water to operate. This means that no hazardous chemicals are used, which lowers costs, increases safety levels, eases handling and makes refueling an easier task. The work was conducted by University of Stuttgart experts Emil Roduner and Andreas Dreizler, who collaboratively developed the air/water-powered fuel cell.

The German conversion system is based on fairly simple principles. Water inside the fuel cells is oxidized catalytically into molecular oxygen, in addition to protons and electrons. This process takes place at the system's anode, whereas the opposite processes take place at the cathode. The mechanisms of power production are rather standard from then on. The cathode and anode are separated from each other using a polymer-based electrolyte membrane, which is selectively permissible. Protons may pass through from one end of the fuel cell to the next, while electrons are blocked.

This forces the elementary particles to exit the fuel cells through a wire, producing electricity. The air flow the fuel cells need is used to evaporate the water that appears at the cathode. This is necessary because, otherwise, the driving force that catalyzes the reaction (the water concentration gradient between the electrodes) would disappear. Speaking about the new fuel cell, experts praise its genius. Generally, scientists “just look at the fuel and the difference in the fuel versus the activation chemistry but Roduner uses concentration as their driving force – that's clever,” says University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia fuel cell expert Michael Janik, quoted by Chemistry World.