Ethanol is a major source of low-cost renewable biofuels and is becoming a popular alternative in replacing several conventional sources of energy. The technology provides an improved mechanism for the oxidation of ethanol in alkali solutions. Researchers have developed a bimetallic anode composed of Platinum (Pt) and Rhodium (Rh) which increase the oxidation rate of ethanol to make it more suitable for use in fuel cells. It eliminates drawbacks faced by previous methods such as incomplete oxidation and the production of several by-products. Ethanol is emerging as one of the most promising materials to be used in fuel cells due to its convenience in storage reduced environmental impact and versatile nature. The invention will provide a means to commercialize ethanol fuel cells by removing the various shortcomings faced in existing oxidation procedures.
1) Ethanol fuel cells are more convenient to transport and store than gasoline alternatives. 2) Increase in the electro-oxidation activity of Platinum on carbon fiber catalysts by the addition of Rhodium. 3) Ethanol demonstrates more suitable characteristics for commercial application than other renewable sources of energy. 4) The process is not dependent on temperatures. 5) Ethanol fuel cells eliminate many by-products associated with gasoline production helping control greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere.