Real-time mass spectrometric study of the methanol crossover in a direct methanol fuel cell
- 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
Similar Records
Influence of membrane-electrode interface on long-term performance of direct methanol fuel cells
Improved Flow-Field Structures for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells