Air-breathing direct methanol fuel cell with metal foam current collectors

摘要

A method and apparatus for generating electricity by direct oxidation of methanol in which methanol is passed through a porous anode current collector to contact the anode electrode of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, an oxidant is passed at atmospheric pressure through a porous cathode current collector which acts as an air diffuser to contact the cathode electrode and the methanol is directly oxidized, producing water which is removed through the cathode current collector, carbon dioxide and electricity.