| abstract |
A redox fuel cell comprising an anode and a cathode separated by an ion selective polymer electrolyte membrane; means for supplying a fuel to the anode region of the cell; means for supplying an oxidant to the cathode region of the cell; means for providing an electrical circuit between the anode and the cathode; a non-volatile catholyte solution flowing fluid communication with the cathode, the catholyte solution comprising a polyoxometallate redox couple being at least partially reduced at the cathode in operation of the cell, and at least partially re-generated by reaction with the oxidant after such reduction at the cathode, wherein the polyoxometallate is represented by the formula: n X a [Z b M c O d ] n Wherein X is selected from hydrogen, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, ammonium and combinations of two or more thereof; Z is selected from B, P, S, As, Si, Ge, Ni, Rh, Sn, Al, Cu, I, Br, F, Fe, Co, Cr, Zn, H 2 , Te, Mn and Se and combinations of two or more thereof; M comprises W and optionally one or more of Mo, V, Nb, Ta, Mn, Fe, Co, Cr, Ni, Zn Rh, Ru, Tl, Al, Ga, In and other metals selected from the 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd transition metal series and the lanthanide series; a is a number of X necessary to charge balance the [Z b M c O d ] a− anion; b is from 0 to 5; c is from 5 to 20; and d is from 1 to 180. |