| abstract |
This invention relates to an apparatus configuration and a method of operation for fuel cells that use as fuel any carbon compound. These cells are built with anodes capable of storing and diffusing hydrogen, where the complete oxidation of the carbon fuel to carbon dioxide occurs, and cathodes that use atmospheric oxygen as an oxidant. An aspect of the invention is the deliberate occlusion of hydrogen in the anode during the operation of the fuel cells, in order to eliminate or greatly reduce the poisoning of the electrocatalyst. Fuel cells according to the invention will be more competitive with existing power sources in price, operational costs, power output, lifetime, volume and pollution emission. Implementation of the invention can also be used to upgrade old fuel cells and to detect and destroy carbon compounds in medical or pollution control applications. |