Real-time mass spectrometric study of the methanol crossover in a direct methanol fuel cell

Journal Article · Mon Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1996 · Journal of the Electrochemical Society

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1149/1.1836622· OSTI ID:251055

Wang, J T; Wasmus, S; Savinell, R F ^[1]

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1. Case Western Reserve Univ., Cleveland, OH (United States)

The products of methanol crossover through the acid-doped polybenzimidazole polymer electrolyte membrane (PBI PEM) to the cathode of a prototype direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) were analyzed using multipurpose electrochemical mass spectrometry (MPEMS) coupled to the cathode exhaust gas outlet. It was found that the methanol crossing over reacts almost quantitatively to CO{sub 2} at the cathode with the platinum of the cathode acting as a heterogeneous catalyst. The cathode open-circuit potential is inversely proportional to the amount of CO{sub 2} formed. A poisoning effect on the oxygen reduction also was found. Methods for the estimation of the methanol crossover rate at operating fuel cells are suggested.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 251055
• Journal Information: Journal of the Electrochemical Society, Journal Name: Journal of the Electrochemical Society Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 143; ISSN 0013-4651; ISSN JESOAN
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
ALCOHOL FUEL CELLS
BENZIMIDAZOLES
CARBON DIOXIDE
CATHODES
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
MASS TRANSFER
MEMBRANE TRANSPORT
METHANOL
ORGANIC POLYMERS
POISONING
REDOX REACTIONS
SOLID ELECTROLYTE FUEL CELLS
SYNTHESIS