Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Systems are being developed and manufactured by a number of companies worldwide. Opportunities to form partnerships with companies developing direct methanol fuel cell technology can be accessed here.
Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC’s) are the technology of choice for many Portable Power Applications. DMFC is also very important for Micro Power Applications which includes fuel cell systems for portable electronic equipment such as laptop computers, 2-way radios, cell phones, PDA’s etc. The advantage of DMFC’s is that Methanol is a liquid fuel and is therefore easier to store and transport than Hydrogen. DMFCs use the same type of electrolyte as PEM Fuel Cells, but require thicker Membranes and greater loading (density) of Catalyst.
Characteristics of Direct Methanol Fuel Cells include:
Required Fuel: Methanol (or aqueous solution thereof)
Operating Temperature: 50°C to 120°C
Efficiency: Up to 40%
Applications: Portable Power Applications, Micro Power Applications
Commercial viability: Using a liquid rather than gaseous fuel confers considerable advantages to DMFC developers. As a liquid, Methanol can integrate effectively with transmission and distribution systems that are already in existence. One drawback is that direct reforming of the Methanol within the Fuel Cell Stack means that the electrodes presently require large quantities of Platinum. DMFC technology is still in the early stages of development, however DMFC technology has been demonstrated in automotive and portable applications.
Additional Information: DMFC’s have no need for an external reformer. Methanol is converted into Hydrogen and Carbon Dioxide at the Anode.
Chemical Equations:
Anode Reaction: CH3OH + H2O »» CO2 + 6H+ + 6e-
Cathode Reaction: 3/2O2 + 6H+ + 6e- »» 3H2O
Cell Reaction: CH3OH + 3/2O2 »» CO2 + 2H2O |
