Fabric-based self-pumping, single-stream microfluidic fuel cell

Abstract

A membraneless microfluidic fuel cell micromachined with a fabric substrate is proposed to enhance the longevity of self-pumping microfluidic fuel cells. The fabric substrate of the fuel cell provides good longevity as well as passive pumping. A stenciling technique is used for patterning the hydrophilic microchannel of the proposed single-stream fuel cell to retain the flexibility of the fabric. The effects of the fabric properties and the electrode configuration on the novel single-layer fuel cell are investigated. The performance of the fuel cell with different fuels (H2O2, HCOOH, KCOOH, CH3OH) in either alkaline or acidic electrolytes is experimentally measured and compared. The peak power density (1.43 mW cm-2), the maximum current density (6.16 mA cm-2), and the open circuit voltage (0.98 V) are highest with the flannel substrate when the fuel is H2O2 and the electrolyte is HCl. Compared to the paper-based, single-stream microfluidic fuel cells, the fuel cell performance is favorable and the duration time (618 min) is the best. This study provides valuable information to develop this easy-to-use power source for portable electronic devices.