A novel direct ethanol fuel cell with high power density

► This work is focused on the development of a next-generation fuel cell that is energized with ethanol - a sustainable, carbon-neutral transportation fuel. ► A novel direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC) that is composed of an alkaline anode and an acid cathode is proposed. ► It is demonstrated that this type of DEFC can yield a peak power density of as high as 240 mW cm−2 at 60 °C.