A METHANOL FUEL CELL

THE METHANOL-AIR FUEL CELL IS ATTRACTIVE FOR LOW AND MEDIUM POWER APPLICATIONS (E.G., TRACTION) AND FOR BULK POWER GENERATION IN POWER PLANTS THAT USE METHANOL AS A FLEXIBLE, CLEAN INTERMEDIATE FROM COAL CONVERSION. THE RENEWED INTEREST IN DIRECT METHANOL FUEL CELLS IS REFLECTED IN AN INCREASING NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS AND THE DEVELOPMENTAL EFFORTS OF VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS. MOST OF THE INTEREST IN DIRECT METHANOL OXIDATION HAS BEEN DIRECTED TOWARD ACID ELECTROLYTES. THIS PROJECT EMPHASIZES THE INVESTIGATION OF CARBON-DIOXIDE REJECTING ALKALINE AQUEOUS CARBONATE FUEL CELL ELECTROLYTES. THE STUDY WILL CONTRIBUTE TO BOTH A FUNDAMENTAL UNDERSTANDING OF METHANOL OXIDATION IN CARBONATE ELECTROLYTES AND DEVELOPMENT OF A WORKING CELL.