I–V characteristics of a methanol sensor for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) as a function of deposited platinum (Pt) thickness

Abstract

We have fabricated methanol sensor for monitoring the methanol concentration in direct methanol fuel cells. A thin composite nafion membrane was used as an electrolyte. We have analyzed the I–V characteristic of the fabricated methanol sensor as functions of methanol concentration, catalyst electrode and platinum (Pt) thickness. When we measured the sensor with 10nm Pt and at 1V, the current value was 1.30×10−6, 1.96×10−6, and 2.80×10−6A for three methanol concentration of 1, 2, and 3M, respectively. And when the methanol concentration was fixed at 2M, the current value of the fabricated device with Pt of 5, 10 and 15nm was 3.06×10−6, 1.96×10−6, and 1.00×10−6A, respectively.