MTL Annual Research Report 2004-2005

The high efficiency and energy density of miniaturized fuel cells provide an attractive alternative to batteries in the portable power generation market for consumer and military electronic devices [1-3]. The best fuel cell efficiency is typically achieved with hydrogen, but safety and reliability issues remain with current storage options. Consequently, there is continued interest in reforming liquid fuels to hydrogen. The process typically involves high temperature reforming of fuel to hydrogen combined with a low temperature PEM fuel cell, which implies significant thermal loss. Owing to its high hydrogen content (66%) and ease of storage and handling, methanol is an attractive fuel. However, partial oxidation of methanol also generates some CO, which may poison the fuel cell catalyst.