KOH-doped polybenzimidazole membrane for direct hydrazine fuel cell.

Alkaline direct hydrazine (N2H4) fuel cells (DHFCs) are considered one of the most promising liquid-fed fuel cells because of their high energy density, high theoretical voltage, and zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. However, the lack of a suitable electrolyte membrane impedes the further development of alkaline DHFC. Herein, a potassium hydroxide (KOH)-doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane is applied in alkaline DHFCs, and the detailed operating conditions are investigated for the first time. With optimal KOH and N2H4 concentrations in the anolyte, membrane thickness, and cathode gas humidity, the DHFC gives a peak power density of 0.708 W cm-2. The results of this study demonstrate the promising application of PBI membranes in DHFC and provide a platform to evaluate the performance of catalysts synthesized for DHFC.