Direct Methanol Fuel Cells – Clean Energy Source for Future?
Journal Title: International Journal of Research in Chemistry and Environment (IJRCE) - Year 2012, Vol 2, Issue 1
Abstract
Fuel cells represent a clean alternative to current technologies for utilizing hydrocarbon fuel resources. Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have acquired due importance as they are best suited for applications where a quick start up is required such as in automobiles. Direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is considered as a highly promising alternative power source. It is based on polymer electrolytes membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology. Direct methanol fuel cells are attractive for several applications, however, serious limitations still remain and need to be solved before developments of such devices and before they can become an alternative to internal combustion engines. It posses a number of advantages such as a liquid fuel, quick refueling, low cost of methanol and the compact cell design making it suitable for various potential applications including stationary and portable applications. DMFCs are also environmentally friendly. Although carbon dioxide is produced, there is no production of sulfur or nitrogen oxides. The development of commercial DMFCs has nevertheless been hindered by some important issues. The most important are the low power density caused by the slow electrochemical methanol oxidation at the anode and methanol crossover through PEM, which is responsible for inhibiting the activity of the cathode catalyst as well. At present, methanol crossover from the anode to the cathode appears to be the major limitation. This article reviews the development of direct methanol fuel cells, technical challenges and current status.
Authors and Affiliations
Patil B. , Sapkal S. , Bhagat L.
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP151535
- DOI -
- Views 77
- Downloads 0
[b] Sorption Equilibrium of fluoride onto Phyllanthus emblica activated carbon[/b]
[i] Groundwater contaminated with excess fluoride (above 1.5 mg/L) posed some risks to the public health in India. Methods available for fluoride contaminated water treatment are cogaulation– filtration using alum+l...
Production Enhancement, Nutritional Security and Value Added Products of Millets of Bastar Region of Chhattisgarh[/b] [b] [/b]
[i]Tribal farmers of Bastar region grow variety of livelihood support crops from ages which are specifically suited to agro-climatic conditions. These include millet, tubers, niger, horse gram and toria in upland...
Comparative Study of Various Substrates and Microorganisms in a Laboratory Designed Microbial Fuel Cell
Bio-electrochemical systems have recently emerged as an exciting technology to generate the electricity that is considered as the ladder for the development. The most desirable type of bio-electrochemical system is the...
Kinetics and Hydrolysis Mechanism of 2,4-dichlorofenoxyacetic acid
The hydrolytic transformation kinetics of the 2,4-dichlorofenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was investigated as a function of pH. The hydrolysis rate was pH-dependent and the first order. The hydrolysis was much faster in acidic...
Commercial Prospective of Lagerstroemia parviflora (Roxb.) as Choice Food Plant of Tropical Tasar Silkworm, Antheraea mylitta (Drury)
The commercial rearing of polyphagous Indian tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta Drury being practiced on naturally grown primary food plants like Terminalia tomentosa (Asan), Terminalia arjuna (Arjun) and Shorea robusta (...