Oxygen transport through a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell was examined with the ultimate goal of creating a model for a portable oxygen generator. Water electrolysis by four electron oxygen reduction (ORR) along with two electron ORR were tested using membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) with Pt/C, carbon (Printex L6), and PtIrB catalysts. Results in trials for all configurations yielded small currents and little to no oxygen production. Based on this study, it appears a vapor electrolysis PEM fuel cell oxygen pump and two electron oxygen reduction based on Pt/C and Printex L6 are not feasible. Alternative catalysts for two electron oxygen reduction on a PEM and alternative membranes may lead to more functional models of the proposed electrochemical oxygen generator.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Jones, Daniel Rodgers
• Churchman, Devin A.
• Patel, Raj D.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-043014-123235

Advisor

• Brodeur, Drew R.
• Kmiotek, Stephen J.
• Datta, Ravindra

Year

• 2014

Date created

• 2014-04-30

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2020-11-19