Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Researchers believe that the Direct Methanol Fuel Cell or DMFC presents the best opportunity for early commercialization of fuel cells. When a weak solution of methanol is fed to the carbon and platinum anode of a fuel cell, the methanol dissociates into H+, CO2 and electrons. The CO2 is vented off and the fuel cell is left with H+ and electrons similar to the process in hydrogen PEM fuel cells.

The advantages of the DFMC are obvious. Firstly, an expensive, complex and power hungry reformer is not required and, secondly, methanol is commonly available. Worldwide methanol production capacity in 2006 was approximately 43 million metric tonnes. DMFCs promise very simple construction, excellent power output, inexpensive and easy to handle fuel coupled with broad availability of the fuel.

But PEM DMFCs have operational problems, the most notable of which is “methanol crossover”. The membrane in a PEM DMFC allows methane to cross over from the anode to the cathode side lessening efficiency by as much as 30%. Researchers have not been able to develop a PEM capable of eliminating crossover without increasing DMFC resistance and cost. The inherent engineering difficulties such as moisture and temperature control with PEM fuel cells coupled with the crossover problem of PEM DMFCs have led many to believe that portable, efficient and inexpensive fuel cells may be several years from commercialization.

The symPowerco solution – The Flowing Electrolyte Direct Methanol Fuel Cell.