Electrochemical Characteristics of LaNi_(4.5)Al_(0.5) Alloy Used as Anodic Catalyst in a Direct Borohydride Fuel Cell

Fuel cells using borohydride as the fuel have received much attention because of high energy density and theoretical working potential. In this work, LaNi4.5Al0.5 hydrogen storage alloy used as the anodic material has been investigated. It was found that the increasing operation temperature was helpful to the open-circuit potential, the discharge potential and the power density, but showed a negative effect on the utilization of the fuel due to the accelerated hydrogen evolution. The high KOH concentration was favorable for high-rate discharge capability. The adsorption and transformation of hydrogen on LaNi4.5Al0.5 alloy electrode has been observed, but its contribution to the discharge capability during a high-rate discharge was small.