Influence of current collectors design on the performance of a silicon-based passive micro direct methanol fuel cell

In this paper, the influence of current collector open ratio on the performance of a passive micro direct methanol fuel cell is evaluated. The device is based on a hybrid approach consisting of two microfabricated silicon current collectors assembled together with a commercial membrane electrode assembly. The characterization was performed by measuring polarization curves of the fuel cell using current collectors with different open ratios on anode and cathode. Results show that the way in which the open ratio of current collectors is combined has an effect not only on the output power but also on the repeatability of polarization curves. This study allows the setting of some general design rules for current collectors of passive micro direct methanol fuel cells.