Process Systems Engineering

Model-based design and optimization of the microscale mass transfer structure in the anode catalyst layer for direct methanol fuel cell

  1. Weiwei Cai1,
  2. Liang Yan1,
  3. Liang Liang1,
  4. Wei Xing1,*,
  5. Changpeng Liu2,*

Article first published online: 27 JUN 2012

DOI: 10.1002/aic.13859

Issue

AIChE Journal

AIChE Journal

Volume 59, Issue 3, pages 780–786, March 2013

Additional Information

How to Cite

Cai, W., Yan, L., Liang, L., Xing, W. and Liu, C. (2013), Model-based design and optimization of the microscale mass transfer structure in the anode catalyst layer for direct methanol fuel cell. AIChE J., 59: 780–786. doi: 10.1002/aic.13859

Author Information

  1. 1

    State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Changchun, P.R. China

  2. 2

    Laboratory of Advanced Power Sources, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Changchun, P.R. China

*Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to W. Xing at xingwei@ciac.jl.cn or C. Liu at liuchp@ciac.jl.cn.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 20 FEB 2013
  2. Article first published online: 27 JUN 2012
  3. Accepted manuscript online: 30 MAY 2012 10:10AM EST
  4. Manuscript Revised: 19 MAY 2012
  5. Manuscript Received: 30 NOV 2011

Funded by

  • High Technology Research Program. Grant Numbers: 863 program, 2012AA053401
  • Science and Technology Ministry of China
  • National Basic Research Program of China. Grant Numbers: 973 Program, 2012CB932802, 2012CB215500
  • General Programs of National Natural Science Foundation of China. Grant Numbers: 20876153, 21011130027
  • Science & Technology Research Programs of Jilin Province. Grant Number: 20100420

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Keywords:

  • anode catalyst layer;
  • direct methanol fuel cell;
  • empirical model;
  • microscale mass transfer;
  • pore former

Microscale mass transfer structure in the anode catalyst layer (CL) can significantly alter the performance of a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) because it changes both the oxidation rate and crossover flux of methanol. The microscale mass transfer structure can be modified by changing the loading of the pore former (PF). An empirical model was developed for the microstructural design and optimization of anode CL by incorporating the PF into the anode CL. The optimal loading of PF is 100 g/m2 according to the calculated results. Experimental results confirmed the accuracy of the calculations, and the passive DMFC performs 37% better by incorporating the optimal loading of PF into the anode CL as compared to the conventional anode CL. The validity of the proposed empirical model can also be proven by comparing the calculated polarization results with the previously reported experimental data. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 780–786, 2013

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