Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
1288534 Journal of Power Sources 2012 10 Pages PDF
Abstract

This research focuses on improving direct methanol alkaline fuel cell (DMAFC) performance using hydroxide-potassium-doped polyvinyl alcohol/carbon nano-tube (PVA/CNT/KOH) electrolytes. The CNTs must be functionalized with PVA polymer chains to improve their dispersion in the polymer matrix and enhance the cell performance. A functionalized CNT load of 0.05% exhibits the highest cell voltage and power density among the PVA electrolytes containing 0–0.1% CNT. The cell voltage increases with the cell temperature between 30 and 60 °C. The open-circuit voltage and peak power density (Pmax) are highest at 6 M KOH concentration in the anode feed. A methanol concentration of 2 M produces a higher Pmax compared to concentrations of 1 M and 6 M methanol. The cell performance is enhanced by increasing the fuel flow rate into the anode. A Pmax of 68.1 mW cm−2 is obtained for a DMAFC employing PVA/0.05%CNT/KOH electrolyte at 60 °C with 2 M methanol and 6 M KOH as the anode feed at a flow rate of 30 mL min−1 and humidified oxygen at a flow rate of 100 mL min−1 to the cathode. To the best of our knowledge, this Pmax is the highest reported value in the literature for DMAFCs.

► KOH-doped PVA/CNT membrane electrolytes are prepared for fuel cell test. ► Operating condition is optimized for direct methanol alkaline fuel cells (DMAFC). ► High peak power density of 68.1 mW cm−2 is obtained at 60 °C for DMAFC.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Chemistry Electrochemistry
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