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Article
Polymer electrolyte membranes for the direct methanol fuel cell: A review
Article first published online: 7 JUL 2006
DOI: 10.1002/polb.20861
Copyright © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Issue
Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics
Special Issue: Special Issue on Polymers in Fuel Cells
Volume 44, Issue 16, pages 2201–2225, 15 August 2006
Additional Information
How to Cite
DeLuca, N. W. and Elabd, Y. A. (2006), Polymer electrolyte membranes for the direct methanol fuel cell: A review. J. Polym. Sci. B Polym. Phys., 44: 2201–2225. doi: 10.1002/polb.20861
Publication History
- Issue published online: 7 JUL 2006
- Article first published online: 7 JUL 2006
- Manuscript Accepted: 11 FEB 2006
- Manuscript Revised: 9 FEB 2006
- Manuscript Received: 22 DEC 2005
Funded by
- U.S. Army Research Office. Grant Number: W911NF-04-1-0258
- U.S. Department of Education
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- electrochemistry;
- fuel cell;
- ionomer;
- membrane;
- polyelectrolyte
Abstract
The direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) has the potential to replace lithium-ion rechargeable batteries in portable electronic devices, but currently experiences significant power density and efficiency losses due to high methanol crossover through polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs). Numerous publications document the synthesis and characterization of new PEMs for the DMFC. This article reviews this research, transport phenomena in PEMs, and experimental techniques used to evaluate new PEMs for the DMFC. Although many PEMs do not show significant improvements over Nafion®, the benchmark PEM in DMFCs, experimental results show that several new PEMs exhibit lower methanol crossover at similar proton conductivities and/or higher DMFC power densities. These results and recommendations for future research are discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Parts B: Polym Phys 44: 2201–2225, 2006