Abstract
The present study demonstrates and evaluates the catalytic durability of ruthenium (Ru)-sputtered Pt/C-based membrane–electrode assembly (MEA) for passive direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Sputtering of Ru onto the Pt/C catalyst layer on the electrolyte membrane reduces the use of Ru by more than 80% compared with conventional Pt-Ru/C (50:50 wt.%)-based MEAs. The Ru-sputtered MEA exhibited a high catalytic durability even when a high concentration of methanol (4 M) was used as fuel. In addition to the marked improvement in the catalytic durability, an increased performance was observed with passive DMFCs using Ru-sputtered MEAs. The results of the present study suggest that the new MEA fabrication method based on Ru-sputtered Pt/C considerably enhanced both the performance and durability of the cell while reducing the cost involved in fabrication. Furthermore, this study suggests ways to expand conventional MEAs for hydrogen fuel cells to the level of DMFCs.
Highlights
Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) have emerged as a potential power source, owing to several associated advantages such as high energy density as compared with other fuel cell types
The present study demonstrates and evaluates the catalytic durability of ruthenium (Ru)-sputtered Pt/C-based membrane–electrode assembly (MEA) for passive direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs)
Sputtering of Ru onto the Pt/C catalyst layer on the electrolyte membrane reduces the use of Ru by more than 80% compared with conventional Pt-Ru/C (50:50 wt.%)-based MEAs
Summary
Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) have emerged as a potential power source, owing to several associated advantages such as high energy density as compared with other fuel cell types. No pumps or other auxiliary parts are required to supply and manage methanol, water, and air Such highly simplified systems of passive DMFCs serve as an ideal and attractive candidate for portable applications and these are expected to replace the current market-leading portable energy sources, such as rechargeable batteries. The CO formed as a result of methanol oxidation binds to the Pt catalyst, thereby occupying the reaction site of Pt and eventually blocking it This results in a rapid reduction in the performance; such a process is irreversible. Chang et al developed highly active, anti-poisoning catalyst that promotes the oxidation of methanol to CO2.28 Sebastian et al synthesized highly active non-platinum group metal catalyst for DMFC and investigated its performance and durability with variation of fuel concentration and temperature..
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