IMPROVED CATALYST COATED MEMBRANES HAVING COMPOSITE, THIN MEMBRANES AND THIN CATHODES FOR USE IN DIRECT METHANOL FUEL CELLS

摘要

The invention relates to DMFC catalyst coated membranes having improved water crossover and methanol crossover performance, excellent power output and durability, which utilize a thin composite reinforced polymer membrane layer and a thin cathode layer to achieve these performance benefits, and methods of making these catalyst coated membranes. The catalyst coated membrane for use in a direct methanol fuel cell have an anode layer, a thin cathode layer, a thin reinforced ionomer membrane, and do not rely on any additional barrier layers or complex water and/or methanol management layers or peripherals or to improve performance.