Alkali doped polyvinyl alcohol/multi-walled carbon nano-tube electrolyte for direct methanol alkaline fuel cell

► Multiwalled carbon nano-tube (CNT) is functionalized with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). ► Nano-composite consisting of PVA and 0.05% functionalized CNT is prepared. ► Potassium hydroxide-doped PVA/CNT membrane has a high conductivity of 0.12 S cm−1. ► Direct methanol alkaline fuel cell produces a peak power density of 39 mW cm−2.