Experimental investigation and assessment of a new direct urea-hydrogen peroxide fuel cell stack

This study addresses the existing technology gaps in fuel cell development by investigating the design and performance assessment of a Direct Urea-Hydrogen Peroxide Fuel Cell (DUHPFC) stack. A significant focus was placed on the preparation of electrodes, where nickel zinc iron oxide was successfully deposited on stainless steel foil via electrodeposition, resulting in high-activity, stable anodes. The 16-cell fuel cell stack was tested under various conditions, with optimal performance observed at 65°C, achieving a power output of 0.307 kW and an open circuit voltage (OCV) of 8.8 V. The energy and exergy efficiencies at 65°C were 48.88% and 41.27%, respectively, highlighting the crucial role of temperature optimization. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements showed a reduction in impedance from 30 Ωcm 2 at 25°C to 15 Ωcm 2 at 65°C, suggesting improved charge transfer characteristics and reduced internal resistance, which contribute to enhanced fuel cell performance. These findings not only demonstrate the efficiency and scalability of the DUHPFC stack for large-scale energy applications but also address the need for more efficient and scalable fuel cell technologies by offering a viable solution to harness urea as a sustainable fuel source. • The integration of urea and hydrogen peroxide enhances electrochemical performance in DUHPFCs, improving energy and exergy efficiencies. • A novel nickel-zinc-iron oxide anode catalyst, electrodeposited on stainless steel foil, significantly enhances urea oxidation and stack performance. • Comprehensive testing of a 16-cell DUHPFC stack demonstrates the impact of temperature, electrolyte composition, and electrode design on system efficiency.