Mediated formic acid flow fuel cell (MFAFFC) based on biomimetic electrolytes.

Water soluble biomimetic models of Riboflavin (B2 vitamin) and Folic acid (B8 vitamin) demonstrated to be good oxidant of formic acid at various pH. Their usage as anolyte mediators in a flow fuel cell to convert formic acid (or formate) into electricity is validated with measured power densities up to 16 mW.cm− 2. These preliminary optimum conditions demonstrated a volumetric energy density of 0.68 Wh.L− 1 when operating at 5 mA.cm− 2 and neutral pH. These new conditions inspired from redox flow batteries processes permit to remove noble metals at both sides of the formate flow fuel cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]