Effect of alkaline fuel cell catalyst on deuterium isotope separation

Fuel cells (FC) have been developed for automobiles and stationary power units. In addition to a generator function, we propose new application of hydrogen isotope separation. this paper, deuterium (D) separation is investigated by two types AFCs with platinum (Pt) or ruthenium (Ru) anode catalysts. The characteristics the are evaluated pure protium (H) gas separately. case Pt catalyst, cell current/voltage curves show similar results both gases. But remarkable decrease in voltage value observed probably due mass transportation (diffusion) limitation at Ru catalyst. effect was larger D 2 than H gas. AC impedance measurements supports slow reaction rate on experiments verified mixed 1 at% D. diluted unreacted discharged from AFC but it concentrated one. inverse response may be attributed elementary process oxidation difference adsorption energy water molecules catalyst surface. • Deuterium conducted alkaline fuel cell. mechanism reversed between might important