A new energy conversion technology based on nano-redox and nano-device processes

• Published in: Nano energy 2013-11, Vol.2 (6), p.1179-1185
• Main Authors: Zhu, Bin, Lund, Peter, Raza, Rizwan, Patakangas, Janne, Huang, Qiu-An, Fan, Liangdong, Singh, Manish
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Bulk hetero-junction; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Electronics; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cell; Fuel cells; Materials science; Molecular electronics, nanoelectronics; Nanocomposite; Nanocrystalline materials; Nanoredox; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; Physics; Semi-ion-conductor; Semiconductor electronics. Microelectronics. Optoelectronics. Solid state devices
• ISSN: 2211-2855
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2013.05.001

Electrolyte-separator-free fuel cell (EFFC) is a new emerging energy conversion technology. The EFFC consists of a single-component of nanocomposite material which works as a one-layer fuel cell device contrary to the traditional three-layer anode–electrolyte–cathode structure, in which an electrolyte layer plays a critical role. The nanocomposite of a single homogenous layer consists of a mixture of semiconducting and ionic materials that provides the necessary electrochemical reaction sites and charge transport paths for a fuel cell. These can be accomplished through tailoring ionic and electronic (n, p) conductivities and catalyst activities, which enable redox reactions to occur on nano-particles and finally accomplish a fuel cell function. [Display omitted] •The electrolyte-free fuel cell (EFFC) is a new energy conversion technology.•Nano-redox and nano-device processes have been discovered for EFFCs.•Fuel cell reactions take place on the particle surfaces without the electrolyte-separator.•Various nano-redox and nano device processes have been identified.•Various fuel cell types can be integrated within one component device at nano-scale.