Performance of Direct Methanol Fuel Cells with Sputter-Deposited Anode Catalyst Layers

Abstract

Performance of direct methanol fuel cells with sputter‐deposited anodes was investigated. The thin film catalyst layers were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Different catalyst loadings and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) fabrication processes were tested. The maximum power density achieved at was , and almost was attained with a loading of only . The results demonstrate that a catalyst utilization of at least can be achieved at current densities ranging from 260 to . The application of the sputter‐deposition method for MEA fabrication is particularly attractive for commercialization of direct methanol fuel cell technology. ©2000 The Electrochemical Society