Performance of vapor-fed direct dimethyl ether fuel cell utilizing high temperature polybenzimidazole polymer electrolyte membrane

► Direct reaction DME produced notable power utilizing PBI membrane. ► Performance increases with increasing temperatures of 180 °C-210 °C. ► Performance increases more notably more from 100 to 200 kPa, than 200-300 kPa. ► Humidification effects were less critical and may provide additional benefits. ► A peak power density of 129 mW cm−2 was achieved at 210 °C and 300 kPa.