A Study on Cathode Potential of DMFC

Abstract

Methanol oxidation at the cathode catalyst layer is affected by crossing methanol through the membrane, resulting in a mixed potential. A Methanol crossover results in a mixed potential of 0.2V. Methanol concentrations regulate current density, which affects cell performance. When methanol is recirculated from the methanol tank, it is heated to cell temperature. The model is used to calculate the best operating parameters and the amount of oxygen consumed during methanol oxidation. Experiments to anticipate cathode potential loss owing to methanol crossover have been carried out. By using pure oxygen as an oxidant, the potential loss can be determined. The peak power density for the oxygen reduction reaction has risen from 16 mW/cm2 to 28 mW/cm2. The fuel for the cell is hydrogen and methanol. Throughout the cell’s performance, there is a possible loss of 0.2 V. When the concentration of methanol is 1 M, the peak power density is 10 mW/cm2. When the cell is run with hydrogen, the peak power density rises to 60 mW/cm2. The higher the methanol content, the greater the fuel and oxygen loss.