Chapter 10 - Membrane and catalyst in direct methanol fuel cell and direct borohydride fuel cell application

Abstract

This chapter describes the evolution and widespread appeal of membrane and electrocatalyst applications in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) and direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC). The primary goal is to highlight the contribution of several types of materials that have a significant impact on DMFC and DBFC performance, particularly when used in two critical components of a fuel cell system, the electrocatalyst, and the polymer electrolyte membrane. This chapter also discusses the proton transport mechanism and electrochemical activity in membranes and catalysts. It also discusses the application and capability of a previous study's alternative membrane and catalyst, which can outperform the commercial Nafion membrane and Pt novel catalyst. Later, it discusses the method of membrane and nanomaterial fabrication, which includes a variety of structural and engineering aspects that could be the driving force behind the superior performance of DMFC and DBFC. As a result, there is a promising future for membrane and catalyst development in fuel cell applications. However, there are several challenges that can be a major impediment to the use of membranes and catalysts in fuel cell applications, such as production volume limitations, costs, electrical properties, other material competition, and health and safety concerns. Finally, this study explains all of the commercialization challenges and opportunities.