How does atmospheric CO2 affect the performance of the generator?
Concentration of CO2 in ambient air is about 300 – 500 ppm (3×10-2 – 5×10-2 %). CO2 forms insoluble carbonates in alkali media, which precipitate and block surfaces of fuel cell electrodes. As a result, the performance of fuel cells is somewhat reduced, eventually crippling the performance of the generator. A common opinion that CO2 poisons air electrodes, as was the case with some earlier alkaline fuel cells, is not true.
