A Critical Assessment on Functional Attributes and Degradation Mechanism of Membrane Electrode Assembly Components in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Abstract

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) are typically a subset of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) that possess benefits such as fuel flexibility, reduction in plant balance, and benign operation. Due to their benefits, DMFCs could play a substantial role in the future, specifically in replacing Li-ion batteries for portable and military applications. However, the critical concern with DMFCs is the degradation and inadequate reliability that affect the overall value chain and can potentially impede the commercialization of DMFCs. As a consequence, a reliability assessment can provide more insight into a DMFC component’s attributes. The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is the integral component of the DMFC stack. A comprehensive understanding of its functional attributes and degradation mechanism plays a significant role in its commercialization. The methanol crossover through the membrane, carbon monoxide poisoning, high anode polarization by methanol oxidation, and operating parameters such as temperature, humidity, and others are significant contributions to MEA degradation. In addition, inadequate reliability of the MEA impacts the failure mechanism of DMFC, resulting in poor efficiency. Consequently, this paper provides a comprehensive assessment of several factors leading to the MEA degradation mechanism in order to develop a holistic understanding.

Perspective Chapter: Methanol as a Fuel for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFCs) – Principles and Performance

“…Optimizing the synthesis method, particle size, and support material can improve the performances of Pt/Ru catalysts [32]. Other binary and ternary catalysts, such as platinum/palladium (Pt/Pd) and Pt/Pd/Ru, have also been studied for their potential use in DMFCs [33,34].…”

Powering the Future: Progress and Hurdles in Developing Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Components to Achieve Department of Energy Goals—A Systematic Review

“…State-of-the-art non-Pt group metal (non-PGM) catalysts in FC technology typically consist of active sites composed of transition metals, nitrogen, and carbon. One of the most widely acknowledged degradation mechanisms for these non-PGM catalysts involves the active sites targeted and attacked by the byproduct of the ORR, hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) [38]. This degradation mechanism can substantially impact the long-term performance and endurance of non-PGM catalysts in fuel cells.…”

Some Improvements on Wettability and Internal Resistance of Modified Micro‐porous Layer for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

“…Direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is a miniaturized fuel cell that uses methanol as fuel and has been used in several mobile electronic devices such as handheld electronics, smartwatches, and sensors. [1,2] As technology advances and costs decrease, DMFC is expected to become the primary power source for future miniature electronic devices. [3][4][5] The core component of DMFC is the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), which consists of an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and a membrane sandwiched between them.…”