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Limiting current behaviour of the direct methanol fuel cell

Lookup NU author(s): Emeritus Professor Keith Scott, Dr Wathiq Taama, Dr Panagiotis Argyropoulos

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Abstract

Limiting current density data for a liquid feed direct methanol fuel cell based on a Nafion solid polymer electrolyte membrane are reported. The cell uses a membrane electrode assembly composed of porous Pt-Ru-carbon supported catalyst anode, Pt-carbon supported cathode covered by carbon cloth backing layers. The effect of cell temperature, air cathode pressure, methanol fuel flow rate, temperature and methanol concentration on the limiting current behaviour are described. Limiting current data are interpreted in terms of hydrodynamics and diffusion limiting effects in the porous catalyst structure and carbon cloth backing layers. In practical fuel cells the temperature of the feed and the cell are different due to heat transfer requirements and this factor is shown to influence performance. It is also demonstrated that cell operation is possible with a methanol solution vaporized into an inert gas stream.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Scott K, Taama WM, Kramer S, Argyropoulos P, Sundmacher K

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Electrochimica Acta

Year: 1999

Volume: 45

Issue: 6

Pages: 945-957

Print publication date: 01/12/1999

ISSN (print): 0013-4686

ISSN (electronic): 1873-3859

Publisher: Pergamon

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0013-4686(99)00285-6

DOI: 10.1016/S0013-4686(99)00285-6

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