Fundamental studies on direct ammonia fuel cell employing anion exchange membrane

► Anion exchange membrane was employed for direct ammonia fuel cell. ► Fuel cells with Pt/C, Pt-Ru/C, and Ru/C anodes were applied for performance tests. ► The OCV was notably influenced by electrocatalytic activity of anodes. ► Ammonia was permeated through the electrolyte, which can cause the reduction in OCV. ► Fuel cell performances were degraded by Nad poisoning over anode catalysts.