The Effect of the Anode Loading and Method of MEA Fabrication on DMFC Performance

Abstract

Abstract The influence of the Pt‐Ru anode loading and MEA preparation techniques on direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) performance is studied. Two different anode catalyst layer preparation techniques are employed. One is the direct coating of anode catalyst ink on a membrane to form a catalyst coated membrane, CCM anode , and the other is the coating of the ink on the diffusion layers, which generates a catalyst coated substrate, CCS anode . The power density of a combined CCM anode /CCS cathode MEA is higher than for a CCS anode /CCS cathode MEA. The main difference in the performance is observed in the high current density region, where two‐phase flow is present and mass transfer processes govern the performance. The CCM anode and CCS anode have different macroscopic structures, while showing the same microscopic morphology. Based on their morphological differences, it is expected that the combination of the CCM anode and carbon paper provides the more homogeneous removal of CO 2 at high currents. The authors suggest that the application of the CCM anode with an optimal anode loading improves anode mass transfer, reduces methanol crossover, and enhances the electrochemical reactions.