Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

Abstract Fuel cells, as electrochemical energy conversion devices, are expected to be a good alternative for various power applications in the near future. Direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), as the most advanced fuel cell, has recently received much attention because of its unique advantages, such as high fuel energy density, facile liquid fuel storage, low working temperature, simpler system structure, and low emission of pollutants. However, DMFC is facing many challenging technical issues related to design, fabrication, and operation of its power systems that still remain unsolved. High manufacturing cost of DMFC is one of the main drawbacks, which hinders its successful commercialization. Mass transport of different species is another issue in DMFC which influences the performance, operating stability, and volumetric energy density of the system. This chapter book provides a comprehensive overview of DMFC technology and presents different approaches to overcome its barriers for commercialization. The key issues such as fuel supply, methanol crossover, durability and stability, and cost and commercialization are summarized. Also, methanol management, water management, carbon dioxide management, and oxygen management are discussed in detail. The present data offers a good starting point for future research directions by indicating crucial obstacles in DMFC commercial applications and giving possible solutions; however much research is needed.

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