In-situ Bubble Emission and Transport Mechanisms in Janus Electrode within Direct Liquid Fuel Cells

Direct liquid fuel cells (DLFCs) offer a promising alternative energy solution by directly utilizing "liquid sunshine fuels", thereby avoiding the complexities of hydrogen storage systems. Despite their potential, DLFC performance is often compromised by gas bubble accumulation at the anode, which reduces the active electrochemical surface area and disrupts fuel transport. In this study, we introduce an inspired Janus electrode with combined hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties designed to shorten the gas diffusion pathway, promoting efficient in-situ bubble release and improving mass transfer. Using visualization techniques, finite element analysis, and mechanical modeling, we investigated the dynamic behavior and transport mechanisms of gas bubbles. The results demonstrate that DLFCs equipped with Janus electrodes achieve superior performance at high current densities, reducing voltage fluctuations and optimizing gas-liquid two-phase flow. This work suggests that Janus electrodes can effectively overcome the bubble-induced limitations in conventional DLFCs.