Effects of microporous layer preparation on the performance of an air-breathing direct methanol fuel cell

Abstract

This study reported a process to increase the cell performance of air-breathing direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). In order to improve the electrical conductivity and reduce the transport resistance of methanol solution, a new filtration method was used to prepare the anode microporous layer (MPL). The experimental results indicated that the cell with the new MPL had a higher mass transfer rate of methanol and better performance than that of the conventional MPL. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization indicated that the new MPL contains more cracks and voids on its surface. The introduction of crack and void in the anode MPL leaded to a significant improvement in the mass transfer rate of methanol and therefore the cell performance. The effects of carbon loading and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) content in the anode MPL on the cell performance of the air-breathing DMFC with the new MPL were also discussed.