PASSIVE WATER MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES IN DIRECT METHANOL FUEL CELLS

摘要

An air-breathing direct oxidation fuel cell comprises a highly hydrophobic component (250) with sub-micrometer wide pores is laminated to the catalyzed membrane electrolyte (204) on the cathode side (208). This air-breathing direct oxidation fuel cell also includes a layer of cathode backing and additional cathode filter components on an exterior aspect of the cell cathode which lessen the water vapor escape rate from the cell cathode. The combination of the well laminated hydrophobic microporous layer, the thicker backing and the added filter layer, together defines a cathode structure of unique water management capacity, that enables to operate a DMFC with direct, controlled rate supply of neat (100 %) methanol, without the need for any external supply or pumping of water. The cell anode is provided with a hydrophilic backing layer.