Methanol Fuel Cell Model: Anode

Novel Anode Catalyst for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

PtRu catalyst is a promising anodic catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) but the slow reaction kinetics reduce the performance of DMFCs. Therefore, this study attempts to improve the performance of PtRu catalysts by adding nickel (Ni) and iron (Fe). Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are used to increase the active area of the catalyst and to improve the catalyst performance. Elec...

Bifunctional anode catalysts for direct methanol fuel cells

Using the binding energy of OH* and CO* on close-packed surfaces as reactivity descriptors, we screen bulk and surface alloy catalysts for methanol electro-oxidation activity. Using these two descriptors, we illustrate that a good methanol electro-oxidation catalyst must have three key properties: (1) the ability to activate methanol, (2) the ability to activate water, and (3) the ability to re...

High-performance alkaline direct methanol fuel cell using a nitrogen-postdoped anode.

A commercial PtRu/C catalyst postdoped with nitrogen demonstrates a significantly higher performance (~10-20% improvement) in the anode of an alkaline direct methanol fuel cell than an unmodified commercial PtRu/C catalyst control. The enhanced performance shown herein is attributed at least partially to the increased electrochemical surface area of the PtRu/C after postdoping with nitrogen.

Mixed phase Pt-Ru catalyst for direct methanol fuel cell anode by flame aerosol synthesis

Magnetic Modification of Nano-structured Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Anode Catalysts

The anode electro-oxidation of methanol is central to the operation of Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFC), which have the potential to become the fastest growing next generation mobile power sources. While Pt and Pt-based catalysts are known for their effectiveness in methanol activation, they are also most susceptible to catalyst poisoning by reaction intermediates such as CO. A second or even ...