A novel, simplified micro-PEFC concept employing glassy carbon micro-structures

Abstract A novel, simplified concept for polymer electrolyte micro-fuel cells is introduced that combines several functions in fewer parts. It consists only of three elements; two glassy carbon sheets with micro-structured flow fields and a catalyst-coated membrane. The micro-structures are prepared in a sequence of three processing steps, i.e. sputtering, laser ablation, and reactive ion etching. Fuel cell tests were carried out with different flow fields, and a maximum power density of ∼415 mW/cm2 at a cell voltage of 425 mV was obtained up to now.