This article introduces the radical approach of applying alkaline anion-exchange membranes (AAEMs) to meet the current challenges with regards to direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). A review of the literature is presented with regards to the testing of fuel cells with alkaline membranes (fuelled with hydrogen or methanol) and also to candidate alkaline anion-exchange membranes for such an application. A brief review of the directly related patent literature is also included. Current and future research challenges are identified along with potential strategies to overcome them. Finally, the advantages and challenges with the direct electrochemical oxidation of alternative fuels are discussed, along with how the application of alkaline membranes in such fuel cells may assist in improving performance and fuel efficiency.

https://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/1696/1/fulltext.pdf

Prospects for Alkaline Anion-Exchange Membranes in Low Temperature Fuel Cells†

In situ visualization study of CO2 gas bubble behavior in DMFC anode flow fields

Direct liquid-feed fuel cells possess high energy and power densities, but suffer from severe adhesion of gas products. Here, a "superaerophobic" surface that enables a small release size and fast evolution behavior of the gas product is introduced, thereby, maximizing and stabilizing the working area. Consequently, the "superaerophobic" nanostructured Cu electrodes exhibit excellent performance as anodes in a direct hydrazine fuel cell.

Superaerophobic electrodes for direct hydrazine fuel cells.

Porous metal materials for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells – A review

Effect of anode flow field design on the performance of liquid feed direct methanol fuel cells

Carbon dioxide gas management and bipolar plate/(flow bed) design are important to the development of direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) systems. If the gas produced at the anode is not removed rapidly and efficiently a gradual deterioration in electrical performance can occur. This paper examines the feasibility of using stainless steel mesh materials as flow beds for the DMFC. A flow visualization study, using a high-speed video camera and appropriate computer software, of the anode side, carbon dioxide gas evolution and flow behaviour with flow beds based on stainless steel mesh is reported. The electrochemical behaviour of the direct methanol fuel cell with stainless steel flow beds is also reported. A number of the flow bed designs, based on stainless steel mesh, showed promising behaviour in terms of gas removal characteristics and electrical performance.

P. Yiannopoulos

Papers

Electrochemical and gas evolution characteristics of direct methanol fuel cells with stainless steel mesh flow beds