Direct Oxidation of Hydrocarbons with a Bipolar Metal Hydride Fuel Cell

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A novel method for the direct oxidation of hydrocarbon fuels for the production of electrical power in a fuel cell is planned. The method dissociates and dehydrogenate hydrocarbon fuels, such as methanol and formic acid, at a bipolar metal hydride diffusion electrode (MHDE). The pure atomic hydrogen that diffuses through the MHDE is oxidized in either an alkaline or acid fuel cells. One side of the MHDE is in contact with the hydrocarbon liquid. The other side forms the anode of an alkaline or acid fuel cell. The system uses an electrostatic field on the dehydrogenation side to control hydrocarbon adsorption and the chemical dehydrogenation rate of methanol or formic acid to atomic hydrogen and carbon dioxide. This approach to direct hydrocarbon oxidation has the advantage of great simplicity since there is no need for a high temperature catalytic reformer and reformer gas purification equipment presently required for indirect dydrocarbon oxidation fuel cells. Furthermore, the system only transports atomic hydrogen through the metal hydride electrode Hence it is not possible for carbon oxides or other impurities to build-up or precipitate in the fuel cell side electrolyte. If this appoach is successful, it could have a substantial impact on fuel cell powered automobiles and other portable power applications.