Different from the previous loading of hydrogen, the battery prototype is based on formic acid (formic acid) and is usually in a liquid state, which makes it easier to transport and replenish fuel. Formic acid is formed by the reaction of hydrogen and carbon dioxide. It was originally used in agriculture and industry. Easy to produce and use a wide range of advantages, if you want to use more environmentally friendly manufacturing, according to the US Princeton University 2014 study, you can also use solar panels to convert carbon dioxide into formic acid.
Formic acid is also a good hydrogen carrier. According to the data, 1 litre of formic acid can produce 590 liters of hydrogen, so EPFL wants to develop a more economical battery through its characteristics.
The team developed the hydrogen generator HYFORM, which uses a ruthenium catalyst to convert formic acid liquids into carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The hydrogen is then transported to a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) for power generation. During the process, only carbon dioxide and water are produced. The team added Emissions of carbon dioxide can also be recycled and reused, continuing to produce more formic acid.
The HYFORM-PEMFC system can produce 7,000kWh of electricity per year, with a standard power of 800W, equivalent to charging 200 smartphones at the same time, and the power generation efficiency is 45%. The team stated that the fuel cell is a carbon-free energy source and will not produce any nitrogen. Oxides and particulates, but for the production of forgotten carbon dioxide and oxidizing biomass, formic acid is also the so-called environmental protection of the small tip.
Researchers said that the system has low maintenance costs and does not require connection to the power grid. The ruthenium catalyst is long-lasting and relatively inexpensive. It is very suitable for use in remote areas, and the team is constantly looking for cheaper catalysts.
However, the formic acid fuel cell concept is not the first in the world. Students at TU/e University in Holland previously established Team FAST, a startup company, and developed a similar technology in June 2017, hoping to use hydrogen formate fuel cells to power buses. The team will work with the VDL Group to build a formic fuel bus and receive extra power through a formic acid fuel cell that is hung on the rear trailer.