Anode electrode with carbon buffer layer for improving methanol oxidation reaction in direct methanol fuel cell

An anode electrode with the carbon buffer layer is fabricated to increase the performance of direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The carbon buffer layer is located in the middle of the anode catalyst layers, consists of porous carbon and Nafion ionomer. Since the porous and relatively hydrophilic carb...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied surface science 2014-01, Vol.290, p.246-251
Main Authors: YUN SIK KANG, NAMGEE JUNG, CHOI, Kwang-Hyun, MYEONG JAE LEE, MINJEH AHN, CHO, Yong-Hun, SUNG, Yung-Eun
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anodes
Assembly
Buffer layers
Carbon
Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties
Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties
Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science
rheology
Electrodes
Exact sciences and technology
Fuel cells
Ionomers
Maximum power density
Methyl alcohol
Physics
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:An anode electrode with the carbon buffer layer is fabricated to increase the performance of direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The carbon buffer layer is located in the middle of the anode catalyst layers, consists of porous carbon and Nafion ionomer. Since the porous and relatively hydrophilic carbon buffer layer absorbs methanol, the flux of the methanol solution in the anode electrode can be controlled. And methanol crossover is decreased by the effect of the carbon buffer layer. Consequently, methanol can be oxidized more efficiently and the performance of DMFC increases. Therefore, the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with the carbon buffer layer on the anode electrode exhibits higher open circuit voltage (OCV) and maximum power density compared to those of conventional MEA. Especially with 3.0M methanol solution, the maximum power density is increased by 60%.
ISSN:0169-4332
1873-5584
DOI:10.1016/j.apsusc.2013.11.059