Advanced Electrocatalysts for Direct Methanol Oxidation

58 Advanced Electrocatalysts for Direct Methanol Oxidation--Giner, Inc., 14 Spring Street, Waltham, MA 02154-4497; (617) 899-7270 Dr. John A. Kosek, Principal Investigator Dr. Anthony B. LaConti, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-97ER82405 Amount: $74,974 In an effort to reduce airborne emissions of pollutants from vehicles and significantly improve urban air quality, fuel cells are being developed by the Department of Energy as a means to replace internal-combustion engines in vehicles. To maximize the performance of a methanol-powered fuel cell, however, a methanol oxidation catalyst needs to be identified that can co-exist with the byproducts formed during oxidation. In Phase I, theoretical studies on two catalysts will be conducted; these data will guide researchers in designing a catalyst formulation specifically for electrochemical oxidation of methanol. Phase II will optimize the performance of the catalysts identified in Phase I with respect to composition and electrode structure. Extensive testing of fuel cells powered by methanol will be performed to obtain engineering data for complete system development. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The anticipated results are development of an efficient direct methanol-air fuel cell operating at practical current densities. The potential commercial benefits are enormous in the electric vehicle market and can also be applied to military vehicles. In addition, there will be potential savings for powerplant applications.