Fabrication of a micro-direct methanol fuel cell using microfluidics

Abstract

A direct-methanol fuel cell containing three parts: microchannels, electrodes, and a proton exchange membrane (PEM), was investigated. Nafion resin (NR) and polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-block-polystyrene (PS) were used as PEMs. Preparation of PEMs, including compositing with other polymers and their solubility, was performed and their proton conductivity was measured by a four point probe. The results showed that the 5 % Nafion resin has lower conductivity than the 5 % PS solution. The micro-fuel cell contained two acrylic channels, PEM, and two platinum catalyst electrodes on a silicon wafer. The assembled micro-fuel cells used 2 M methanol at the flow rate of 1.5 mL min−1 in the anode channel and 5 × 10−3 M KMnO4 at the flow rate of 1.5 mL min−1 in the cathode channel. The micro-fuel cell with the electrode distance of 300 μm provided the power density of 59.16 μW cm−2 and the current density of 125.60 μA cm−2 at 0.47 V.

Supporting PtRh alloy nanoparticle catalysts by electrodeposition on carbon paper for the ethanol electrooxidation in acidic medium

“…Direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) are the most promising ones for small portable applications such as cellular phones, laptop computers, cameras and clinical devices, because of their compact and simple design, easy recharging and storage of the liquid fuel [3,4]. DAFCs are nowadays very interesting for novel microelectronic devices, which require the development and implementation of new compatible power sources able to fulfill their energy requirements [5][6][7][8].…”

Recent Advanced Technologies in the Processing of Hybrid Reinforced Polymers for Applications of Membranes

“…Nafion resin (NR) and polystyreneblock-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)block-polystyrene (PS) are used as PEMs. Preparation of PEMs, including compositing with other polymers and their solubility, was performed and their proton conductivity was measured by a four point probe 105 .…”

Methanol-Based Fuel Cell on Paper Support with N-Doped Graphene Oxide/Nickel Cobaltite Composite Catalyst

“…Methanol (CH 3 OH) contains 12.5 wt% hydrogen and has shown promising performance in proton exchange membrane direct methanol fuel cells and micro-fluidic fuel cells. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Since it is in the liquid state below 60 • C, methanol is an ideal fuel for application in fuel cells for portable devices. There are certain portable diagnostic devices (example Clearblue pregnancy kit) and analytical devices (example digital TDS meter) that require power in nano to micro Watt range for a short duration.…”