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High performance direct methanol polymer electrolyte fuel cells

Journal Article · · Journal of the Electrochemical Society
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1149/1.1836375· OSTI ID:201382
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  1. Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States). Electronic and Electrochemical Materials and Devices

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) using Pt-Ru electrocatalysts and perfluorosulfonic acid membranes provide high performances if operated above 100 C with optimized catalyst layers. A decal transfer method is used to apply thin-film catalyst/ionomer composite layers to Nafion{reg_sign} membranes. A Nafion 112 membrane/electrode assembly operating on 5 atm oxygen at 130 C yields a current of 670 mA/cm{sup 2} at 0.5 V cell voltage. Peak power density is 400 mW/cm{sup 2}. The same cell operating on 3 atm air at 110 C yields 370 mA/cm{sup 2} at 0.5 V and provides a maximum power density of 250 mW/cm{sup 2}.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
201382
Journal Information:
Journal of the Electrochemical Society, Journal Name: Journal of the Electrochemical Society Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 143; ISSN 0013-4651; ISSN JESOAN
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English