Aeroelectrolyte for atmospheric open electrochemical cells

Abstract

Expediting electrochemical reactions that involve gaseous components is crucial for the development of diverse energy and environmental applications (batteries, electrochemical conversion, fuel cells, and gas sensors). Unfortunately, the intrinsically closed structure of conventional electrochemical cell systems, in which a liquid (or solid) electrolyte exists between the electrodes, does not allow the facile and direct diffusion of gaseous reactants or products to/from the electrode surface. Our design, an electrochemical cell system with an open-structured form factor, involves an “aeroelectrolyte” that floats in the air and directly approaches the electrode surfaces. The electrochemical system contains a nonwoven nanofiber salt bridge to ensure continuous and stable electrochemical reactions in the aeroelectrolyte-based cells. We confirmed the feasibility of our design in a modified Daniell cell by varying the factors that affect the aeroelectrolyte and electrode components. Our open-structure electrochemical system with the aeroelectrolyte enables the realization of ideal three-phase boundaries for atmospheric electrochemical reactions.