Fuel cell using biofilms as catalyst for the cathode reaction an/or the anode reaction
First Claim
1. Process for the treatment of at least one of the electrodes (cathode and/or anode) of a fuel cell, before the said cell is operated and before or after the said electrode is placed in the said cell, consisting in forming a biofilm on at least part of the surface of the said electrode, by immersing the said electrode in a medium capable of causing the growth of biofilms, the said biofilm being intended to catalyse the reaction at the electrode, and consisting simultaneously in subjecting the said electrode to a-polarization potential.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a process for the treatment of at least one of the electrodes (cathode and/or anode) of a fuel cell, before the said cell is operated, and before or after the said electrode is placed in the said cell, comprising the step consisting in forming a biofilm on at least part of the surface of the said electrode, by immersing the said electrode in a medium capable of causing the growth of biofilms, the said biofilm being intended to catalyse the reaction at the electrode, and the step consisting simultaneously in subjecting the said electrode to a polarization potential. The invention also relates to a fuel cell comprising at least one electrode covered with a biofilm, obtained before the said electrode is placed in the cell, and to the electrode.
28 Citations
18 Claims
- 1. Process for the treatment of at least one of the electrodes (cathode and/or anode) of a fuel cell, before the said cell is operated and before or after the said electrode is placed in the said cell, consisting in forming a biofilm on at least part of the surface of the said electrode, by immersing the said electrode in a medium capable of causing the growth of biofilms, the said biofilm being intended to catalyse the reaction at the electrode, and consisting simultaneously in subjecting the said electrode to a-polarization potential.
- 7. Fuel cell comprising at least one cell having an anode compartment supplied with a reducing agent, the said compartment including an anode, and the said cell having a cathode compartment supplied with an oxidizing agent, the said compartment including a cathode, the said compartments being placed on either side of a membrane, characterized in that at least one of the electrodes (anode and/or cathode), prior to the operation of the cell, is coated on at least part of its surface with a biofilm intended to catalyse the reaction at the electrode.
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17. Electrode (anode and/or cathode) for a fuel cell, which electrode is coated on at least part of its surface with a biofilm, before it is placed in the said cell, and preferably held in a medium capable of regenerating the biofilm.
Specification