Single-component fuel cell is a promising energy technology, but needs standardised procedures.

What is it about?

On the basis of reported characteristics and promising single-cell results, the single-component fuel cell could possess potential for a technological breakthrough, but it is still hampered by some fundamental questions such as repeatability of experiments reported, lacking broader theoretical explanation of experiments (although there are tentative efforts in this direction), inconsistencies in experimental setups, differences in device configurations, and varying reporting practices of results, many of which could, however, be overcome through more systematic research and more standardized research procedures. The theoretical background of the operational principle is also still under discussion. We found several potential sources of random and systematic errors in reported research, which could add major uncertainties. Here we suggest a list of procedures to be used for developing single-component fuel cells.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

In addition to using more advanced materials and scientific methods and tools, equally important would be to work out a more systematic way, with standardized procedures and making better use of resources, to accelerate progress of this new fuel cell technology. We think it would be important to pay attention in particular to the following three main issues: 1. Documentation (sample geometry, materials, material, synthesis and cell fabrication methods and conditions, performance conditions); 2. Management (planning, execution, analysis of experiments); 3. Error sources (geometry, temperature, impurities,transients). The entire paper (open access) can be downloaded from http://pubs.acs.org/toc/aelccp/0/0

Perspectives