FUEL CELL WITH DIRECT TRANSFORMATION OF METHANOL INTO CURRENT

摘要

The invention concerns a fuel cell comprising an anode, an ion-conducting electrolyte and a cathode. A barrier layer located on the cell anode side separates the fuels from the electrolyte and is permeable to atomic or molecular hydrogen. Means for reforming the fuel, for example in the form of a copper/zinc layer, is placed adjacent to the barrier layer. Said cell further comprises means oxidising the hydrogen passing through the barrier layer (protons generally). Unlike other fuel cells with direct methanol oxidation, it is possible to use any electrolytic material since it is no longer necessary to take into account the fuel chemical compatibility with the electrolytic material. The cell preserves its efficiency as, for example, the methanol cannot reach the cathode and poison the latter. Moreover, the reforming process can be carried out at relatively low temperatures, since the hydrogen produced is permanently withdrawn from the reforming reaction.