Development in Direct Methanol – Oxygen Fuel Cell (DMFC)

Abstract

This research paper describes recent developments in methanol-oxygen fuel cell or direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). An application of DMFCs in portable power sources and in hybrid electrical vehicles has recently been envisaged. The section is particularly focused on the electro catalysis of the methanol oxidation reaction and oxygen electro reduction. In this regard, some aspects of the electro catalysis of oxygen reduction in the presence of methanol crossover have been treated. The technology section deals with the development of both components and devices. The recent efforts in developing DMFC stacks for both portable and electro-traction applications are studied. The current status of the technology in this field is presented and some important technical challenges are been discussed.