Performance evaluation of an air breathing–direct methanol fuel cell with different cathode current collectors with liquid electrolyte layer

Abstract

Development of possible technologies for the generation of green energy is the focus of research worldwide. Fuel cells are a promising option in this regard. Out of the various categories of fuel cells, air breathing–direct methanol fuel cells (AB‐DMFCs) are finding a prominent place as an electric power source for charging of compact electronic devices. In AB‐DMFC, the design and construction of the cathode current collector is very crucial, since the cathode current collector performs important functions in the fuel cell operation such as collecting the electrons, facilitating the flow of oxygen for the cathode reaction and evacuating the water bubbles formed at the cathode side. An ideal current collector improves the cell performance multifold. The present paper deals about the performance of an AB‐DMFC fitted with three different cathode current collector designs, viz., a wire mesh current collector (WMCC) made of SS316L, WMCC with a supporting plate (SP) and a perforated current collector (PCC) with an open ratio of 45.40%. A single serpentine flow channel engraved on a graphite plate was used as the anode flow channel plate. Experimental investigations are carried out to examine the impact of the cathode current collector design on the performance of AB‐DMFC and also by varying the operating parameters of methanol flow rate and concentration. The next stage of the experiments are carried out with the addition of a liquid electrolyte layer (LE), which is kept between two half Membrane Electrode Assemblies. Experimental results reveal that the LE layer enhances the fuel cell performance compared to conventional AB‐DMFC.

Analysis and experimental investigation on passive direct methanol fuel cell current collectors with taper cylindrical openings

“…Overall cell reaction ∶ CH 3 OH + 3 2 O 2 → CO 2 + 2H 2 O (3) Current collectors (CCs) of pDMFCs play a key important component [3], and the cell's performance further depends on the construction material and its design. pDMFC components with suitable material selection are an important characteristic that depends on the cell performance [4].…”

“…Referring to F I G U R E 1 Schematic representation of direct methanol fuel cell Equation ( 2), at the cathode, in the presence of the platinum catalyst, the electrons and hydrogen ions react with oxidant (from the air) to form water and heat of reaction [2]. Overall cell chemical reaction is represented as Equation (3). A schematic representation of the DMFC is shown in Figure 1.…”

Comparison of the Anode Side Catalyst Supports with and without Incorporation of Liquid Electrolyte Layer on the Performance of a Passive Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

“…Boni et al [19][20][21] experimentally analyzed the passive DMFC performance effect with the addition of the LE layer. It was found that an optimized thickness of 2 mm produced MCD and MPD at 5 mol/cm 3 (5 M) methanol concentration.…”

Experimental investigations on passive direct methanol fuel cell using variable membrane electrode assembly dynamic regions by altering gasket shapes

“…Alternate electrical power sources in place of conventional electrical power generators are getting important with an interest to reduce harmful exhaust emissions and reactions by-products (O’hayre et al , 2016). Fuel cells are one of the kinds of renewable power sources that provide power with characteristics such as clean and green, ease of operation with better reliability, noise-free environment and require less maintenance(Boni et al , 2020). Among various kinds of fuels cells that are classified based on the type of ion-conducting membranes, direct liquid feed fuel, i.e.…”