A Solid Anion Membrane for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Use

The Direct Methanol Fuel Cell is a potentially attractive power source for battery replacement applications. Thus, it could be used as a portable power source for soldier applications. One drawback to Direct Methanol Fuel Cells based on a Proton Exchange Membrane is methanol crossover, a parasitic loss of fuel. There are two main sources of crossover: (1) diffusion of methanol through the presently used membrane electrolyte and (2) proton drag, which carries both water and methanol from the anode to the cathode. To minimize crossover, Giner, Inc. proposes development of an advanced anion exchange membrane. The membrane will be designed to be stable in the hydroxide ion form, and will not contain any beta-hydrogens. Specific program objectives include (1) fabrication of the advanced anion membranes, (2) modification of the membrane surface for more efficient catalyst bonding, and (3) to characterize the anion membrane. In an anion membrane, because ions move from the cathode to the anode, we expect there will be a reduced amount of methanol on the cathode.