Preparation of nano-sized nickel as anode catalyst for direct urea and urine fuel cells

Nano-sized nickel with primary particle size of 2-3 nm has been successfully prepared for use as efficient anode catalysts in urea and urine fuel cells. XRD, SEM and TEM were used for characterisation of nano-sized nickel. Based on the previous communication, the performance of urea and urine fuel cells has been further improved when the relative humidity at the cathode was 100%. A maximum power density of 14.2 mW cm⁻² was achieved when 1 M urea was used as fuel, humidified air as oxidant. The performance of urine fuel cells operating above room temperature was also reported for the first time and a power density of 4.23 mW cm⁻² was achieved at 60 °C indicating potential application in urea-rich waste water treatment.