Recent advances in direct methanol fuel cells

The direct methanol fuel cell is based on the electro-oxidation of an aqueous solution of methanol in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell without the use of a fuel processor. The electro-oxidation of methanol occurs on platinum-ruthenium catalyst at the anode and the reduction of oxygen occurs on platinum catalyst at the cathode. After the initial concept development at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), there has been considerable development of methanol fuel cell (DMFC) technology at the JPL and at various other institutions under programs sponsored by DOD and DOE. Significant improvements in power density, efficiency, and life have been demonstrated at the cell and stack level. These advances in the performance of direct methanol fuel cells are sufficiently attractive for the design of complete power systems. Portable power sources, in the range of 50-150 W, based on this technology are currently being considered for various military applications. The development of a 150 W direct methanol fuel cell power system is being pursued at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) under DARPA funding. This paper summarizes some of the progress in the development of cells, stacks and systems.