A novel aqueous aluminum|permanganate fuel cell

The known chemical reaction of permanganate with non-noble metals and, in particular, the rapid rate of the aluminum chemical reaction with permanganate make it unexpected that aluminum in contact with solution phase permanganate can be efficiently oxidized to generate electrochemical stored energy. However, as shown in this study, high faradaic efficiencies for this process can be achieved. An energetic permanganate fuel cell is studied: Al + MnO4- + 2H(2)O --> Al(OH)(4)(-) + MnO2; E-cell = 2.9 V The cell's anodic storage efficiency is enhanced by elevated temperatures, high electrolyte flow rates, and low cathode and anode polarization losses. Each of these factors facilitates high rates of discharge and high power densities to minimize effects of parasitic chemical reactions. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.