Effect of anode electrocatalyst for direct hydrazine fuel cell using proton exchange membrane

Hydrazine was examined as a fuel in a direct-liquid-fueled fuel cell that uses proton exchange membrane (PEM) such as Nafion®. Different kinds of noble metals were examined as anode electrocatalysts for direct hydrazine fuel cells (DHFCs). In DHFC using platinum or palladium as the anode electrocatalyst, more than 1 V of cell voltage was obtained in the low-current density region. The I–V characteristics changed drastically depending on the kind of anode electrocatalyst used. Compositions of the exhaust materials from each electrode were analyzed to investigate the reaction occurring at the electrodes. The analysis revealed that the catalytic decomposition reaction of hydrazine proceeded further than the electro-oxidation reaction on the anode side using rhodium or ruthenium.