Study of Photo-assisted Fuel Cell

Abstract

A methanol fuel cell combined with a photocatalytic reaction apparatus is proposed. This new type cell works as a methanol fuel cell in the dark and as a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell under illumination. Methanol is reformed into hydrogen by the photocatalytic reaction using Pt/TiO₂, and evolved hydrogen is provided for the anode of the fuel cell. The performa nce of this cell under illumination is better than that of the methanol fuel cell.