Development of a Direct Ethanol Fuel Cell System with Anion Exchange Membranes

Fuel cell technology as a clean and efficient energy source has several advantages for military applications, including lower weight, better safety, shorter down time (no recharge time, unlike secondary batteries), and lower heat signature (as compared to combustion engines). Ethanol has the advantage of being nontoxic and less flammable, which are attractive features for both military and commercial applications. Ethanol oxidation reactions are more facile in alkaline media than in acid media. During the Phase I research, the proposed research work was successfully carried out by Tremont Technology LLC and its partners (Ovonic Fuel Cells, IUPUI, WSU and GTI). Phase I project demonstrated the performance of materials (anode and cathode catalysts and membranes) exceeding the targeted power density in direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs). The objective of the Phase II project is to continue developing a DEFC system based on the PI's research breakthroughs before and during Phase I in the development of AEM-DEFC materials, including thermally, chemically, and mechanically stable AEMs, alkaline ionomer binders, and a series of new proprietary non-Pt catalysts, and produce a prototype ready for commercialization and scaled up production.