Optimization of a passive direct methanol fuel cell with different current collector materials

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2020

Authors

Braz, BA (Author) Other; V. B. Oliveira (Author) FEUP; A.M.F.R. Pinto (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Energy

Vol. 208

ISSN: 0360-5442

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 1 Citation

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00S-GWG

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2020.118394

Abstract (EN): Towards the introduction of passive direct methanol fuel cells in the market, it is mandatory to achieve an optimum balance between its cost, efficiency and durability. To achieve that and knowing that the current collectors are responsible for about 80% of these systems weight, different current collector materials were tested in the anode and cathode sides of a passive direct methanol fuel cell, towards a cost and weight reduction. The best configuration was used to assess the lifetime of the developed passive direct methanol fuel cell. The cell performance and lifetime was evaluated through polarization measurements and these results were explained under the light of the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data. A major novelty of this study is the use of an innovative equivalent electric circuit that accurately describes a passive direct methanol fuel cell, which allowed the identification and quantification of the different performance losses that negatively affect these systems efficiency. The maximum power density of 5.23 mW/cm(2) was achieved using Titanium as anode current collector and Stainless Steel as cathode current collector and a methanol concentration of 7 M. The durability tests showed a lifetime of 200 h and a loss of efficiency of 41%.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10