Abstract
A new process for silica nano-powder dispersion in an anode electrode paste for direct ethanol fuel cells was studied by applying an excess amount of solvent (acetone) that easily evaporates after mixing the paste. A well-dispersed anode electrode results in more efficient output power than an agglomerated anode paste. Nano-silica will act as an oxidant to acetaldehyde and can form a structure that supports increased ethanol penetration into the electrode. Using gas chromatography, the acetaldehyde concentration was measured to determine the mechanism of the reaction occurring in the fuel cells.
