Direct methanol-air fuel cells with membranes plus circulating electrolyte

A new approach for direct methanol-air fuel cells (DMFC), with the advantage of reduced methanol crossover is discussed in this paper. Methanol traces in the circulated electrolyte are recovered and CO2 bubbles in the cells are removed due to the forced methanol-electrolyte stream through the cell. Degradation of the catalyst is reduced since fuel cell electrodes degrade on activated stand without load to a higher extent than under load because high voltage on open circuit promotes carbon oxidation, catalyst changes, etc. Therefore, life expectancy increases with circulating electrolyte by removing the electrolyte from the cells between operating periods. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.