Direct Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells Using Biomass Fuel

Abstract

Abstract: Direct fuel cells using a polymer electrolyte membrane are promising power sources for portable electric appliances due to their suitability for miniaturization and rapid start-stop operation. The electrochemical oxidation of fuel compounds was investigated on several electrodes to identify novel fuels for use in direct fuel cells alternative to methanol. Biomass fuels, including L-ascorbic acid, ethanol and D-glucose, were studied as fuels in two-types of direct fuel cells with a cation-exchange membrane (CEM) or an anion-exchange membrane (AEM). A direct L-ascorbic acid fuel cell could be operated even without an anode catalyst. The maximum power density of direct ethanol and glucose fuel cells was significantly increased by the use of an AEM.