A Trilaminar-Catalytic Layered MEA Structure for a Passive Micro-Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

Deng, Huichao; Zhou, Jiaxu; Zhang, Yufeng

doi:10.3390/mi12040381

Cited by 7 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…The same research group reported a study regarding a new cathode water backflow structure to prevent the issue of water accumulation/flooding [102]. In a conventional cathode, a high loading of PTFE on the MPL is nor- Further studies regarding the cathode side were also pursued by Deng et al [104], who reported the design and fabrication of a novel cathodic trilaminar catalytic layered MEA structure (1.15 × 1.15 cm 2 active area), made of three porous layers, with the central/middle layer presenting lower porosity than the inner and outer ones. This new configuration created a water pressure gradient, which enhanced the water backflow and the oxygen transport, by reducing MCO and cathode flooding.…”

Section: Acidic Dmfcsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Passive Small Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells for Low-Power Portable Applications: Assessment Based on Innovative Increments since 2018

2022

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Passive small direct alcohol fuel cells (PS-DAFCs) are compact, standalone devices capable of electrochemically converting the chemical energy in the fuel/alcohol into electricity, with low pollutant emissions and high energy density. Thus, PS-DAFCs are extremely attractive as sustainable/green off-grid low-power sources (milliwatts to watts), considered as alternatives to batteries for small/portable electric and electronic devices. PS-DAFCs benefit from long life operation and low cost, assuring an efficient and stable supply of inherent non-polluting electricity. This review aims to assess innovations on PS-DAFC technology, as well as discuss the challenges and R&D needs covered on practical examples reported in the scientific literature, since 2018. Hence, this compilation intends to be a guidance tool to researchers, in order to help PS-DAFCs overcome the barriers to a broad market introduction and consequently become prime renewable energy converters and autonomous micropower generators. Only by translating research discoveries into the scale-up and commercialization process of the technology can the best balance between the economic and technical issues such as efficiency, reliability, and durability be achieved. In turn, this will certainly play a crucial role in determining how PS-DAFCs can meet pressing sustainable energy needs.

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Section: Acidic Dmfcsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Passive Small Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells for Low-Power Portable Applications: Assessment Based on Innovative Increments since 2018

2022

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“…A trilaminar-catalytic layered GDL design could accelerate the water back diffusion and encourage oxygen mass transportation. In a study, a trilaminar-catalytic layer comprises an inner, middle, and outer layer that is used for DMFC [203]. The middle layer has lower porosity compared to the inner and outer layers.…”

Section: Mitigation Strategies Of Gdl Degradationmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Critical Assessment on Functional Attributes and Degradation Mechanism of Membrane Electrode Assembly Components in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

2021

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Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) are typically a subset of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) that possess benefits such as fuel flexibility, reduction in plant balance, and benign operation. Due to their benefits, DMFCs could play a substantial role in the future, specifically in replacing Li-ion batteries for portable and military applications. However, the critical concern with DMFCs is the degradation and inadequate reliability that affect the overall value chain and can potentially impede the commercialization of DMFCs. As a consequence, a reliability assessment can provide more insight into a DMFC component’s attributes. The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is the integral component of the DMFC stack. A comprehensive understanding of its functional attributes and degradation mechanism plays a significant role in its commercialization. The methanol crossover through the membrane, carbon monoxide poisoning, high anode polarization by methanol oxidation, and operating parameters such as temperature, humidity, and others are significant contributions to MEA degradation. In addition, inadequate reliability of the MEA impacts the failure mechanism of DMFC, resulting in poor efficiency. Consequently, this paper provides a comprehensive assessment of several factors leading to the MEA degradation mechanism in order to develop a holistic understanding.

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“…Methanol crossover has a negative influence on cathode performance, which can be mitigated by using a graded CCL, thus enhancing the utilization of the catalyst. Deng et al [26] created a new trilaminar-catalytic layer structure for DMFCs. The new trilaminar-catalytic layer reduced methanol crossover and increased oxygen transfer.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Enhanced Cell Performance and Improved Catalyst Utilization for a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell with an In-Plane Gradient Loading Catalyst Electrode

Chang

Zhang

et al. 2021

Processes

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Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) offer high energy density, simple liquid fuel storage, and the ability to operate at ambient temperature. They may be used in a variety of portable mobile power supplies, small civilian power supplies, and automotive power supplies. However, in the process of electrochemical reaction inside a DMFC, because the reactants and products are distributed unevenly, the in-plane concentration of reactants and reaction rate are different; thus, the current density generated in the active area shows a high degree of non-uniformity. The high local current density can easily lead to the acceleration of DMFC aging. As a result, the operating cost of the DMFC is increased and the service life is shortened, which limits the commercial application of DMFCs. In this work, we develop an in-plane gradient loading catalyst. The loading on both the anode and cathode catalysts was lower near the inlet and higher close to the outlet. The experimental results of the single-cell test show that the performance of the gradient loading catalyst electrode was enhanced by up to 19.8% compared with the uniform loading catalyst at 60 °C for the same catalyst loading, especially under high current densities. In addition, the catalyst utilization was improved for the gradient loading catalyst electrode. Hence, the proposed approach shows potential for reducing the cost and increasing the service life of DMFCs.

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A Trilaminar-Catalytic Layered MEA Structure for a Passive Micro-Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

Cited by 7 publications

References 24 publications

Passive Small Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells for Low-Power Portable Applications: Assessment Based on Innovative Increments since 2018

Passive Small Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells for Low-Power Portable Applications: Assessment Based on Innovative Increments since 2018

A Critical Assessment on Functional Attributes and Degradation Mechanism of Membrane Electrode Assembly Components in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Enhanced Cell Performance and Improved Catalyst Utilization for a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell with an In-Plane Gradient Loading Catalyst Electrode

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