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Glycerol Is Converted into Energy and Carbonyl Compounds in a 3D-Printed Microfluidic Fuel Cell: In Situ and In
Matheus B C de Souza1, Katia-Emiko Guima2,3, Pablo S Fernández1
1Chemistry Institute, State University of Campinas, P.O. Box 6154, 13083-970 Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|May 26, 2022
Summary
This study presents a 3D-printed glycerol microfluidic fuel cell that efficiently converts glycerol into power and valuable chemicals. Bismuth modification significantly enhances performance by reducing anode poisoning and increasing energy output.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Glycerol fuel cells offer a pathway for combined energy and chemical conversion.
- Anode design is critical for achieving low onset potentials and reaction selectivity in glycerol electrooxidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a 3D-printed glycerol microfluidic fuel cell with enhanced performance.
- To investigate the effect of *in situ* and *in operando* bismuth (Bi) modification on anode performance and product selectivity.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a 3D-printed microfluidic fuel cell.
- Decoration of the platinum on carbon composite (Pt/C/CP) anode with bismuth (Bi) using *in situ* and *in operando* methods.
- Electrochemical characterization and analysis of glycerol conversion products (glycolate and formate).
Main Results:
- The *in situ* Bi-modified anode achieved an open-circuit voltage of 1.0 V and a 6.5-fold increase in maximum power density.
- Glycerol conversion reached 72% at 25 °C with significantly reduced formation of glycolate and formate.
- The *in situ* method resulted in homogeneous Bi decoration, minimizing CO poisoning and promoting complete glycerol electrooxidation.
Conclusions:
- Homogeneous *in situ* bismuth decoration of Pt/C/CP anodes is a highly effective strategy for enhancing glycerol microfluidic fuel cell performance.
- This approach leads to improved energy conversion efficiency and selectivity for valuable chemical byproducts.
- The developed 3D-printed fuel cell technology and modification methods are cost-effective and adaptable for other coupled reactions.
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