A Comparison of the Properties of CF 3 SO 3 H and H 3 PO 4 in Relation to Fuel Cells

Abstract

The properties of and as electrolytes in fuel cells are discussed. A comparison of their properties has been made, taking into consideration the solubility of oxygen, its diffusion coefficient, the rate of oxygen reduction, and adsorption of the electrolytes on the platinum surfaces. Under the respective operating conditions of and fuel cells, it was found that the solubility of oxygen is more than two times higher in , the diffusion coefficient in is 24 times greater, and the free area available for reduction in both media are similar. The effects of the structure of electrolytes on exchange current densities for oxygen reduction are discussed.