Boosting the power-generation performance of micro-sized Al-H₂O₂ fuel cells by using silver nanowires as the cathode

Micro-sized fuel cells represent one of the pollution-free devices available to power portable electronics. However, the insufficient power output limits the possibility of micro-sized fuel cells competing with other power sources, including supercapacitors and lithium batteries. In this study, a novel aluminum-hydrogen peroxide fuel cell is fabricated using uniform silver nanowires with diameters of 0.25 μm as the catalyst at the cathode side. The Ag nanowire solution is prepared via a polyol method, and mixed uniformly with Nafion and ethanol to enhance the adhesion of Ag nanowires. We carry out electrochemical tests, including cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and Tafel polarization, to characterize the performance of this catalyst in H₂O₂ reduction. The Ag nanowires exhibit a high effectiveness and durability while catalyzing the reduction of H₂O₂ with a low impedance. The micro-sized Al-H₂O₂ fuel cell equipped with Ag nanowires delivers a power density of 43 W·m^-2 under a low concentration of H₂O₂ (0.1 M), which is substantially higher than the previously reported devices.