Unitized Reformed Methanol Fuel Cell

This Phase I SBIR proposal will investigate the synthesis and electrochemistry of bifunctional anodes, high-temperature electrolyte membranes (300oC) and low-cost cathode catalysts for a Unitized Reformed Methanol Fuel Cell (URFMC). The research and development effort will consist of developing a double-layer anode material, capable of both methanol reformation and hydrogen oxidation to protons. Concurrent research will investigate development of a high-temperature high conductivity composite, capable of protonic conduction at 250-350oC. The final deliverable of this Phase I effort will be a 20W methanol reforming fuel cell, scalable to 200W in a follow-on Phase II effort. Successful development of an URFMC, operating at 300oC, will enable filling in the gaps between current portable power technologies and the soldier power needed for the Future Force Warrior (FFW).