초록 ▼

The fuel utilization of a direct methanol fuel cell is enhanced for improved cell efficiency. Distribution plates at the anode and cathode of the fuel cell are configured to distribute reactants vertically and laterally uniformly over a catalyzed membrane surface of the fuel cell. A conductive sheet

The fuel utilization of a direct methanol fuel cell is enhanced for improved cell efficiency. Distribution plates at the anode and cathode of the fuel cell are configured to distribute reactants vertically and laterally uniformly over a catalyzed membrane surface of the fuel cell. A conductive sheet between the anode distribution plate and the anodic membrane surface forms a mass transport barrier to the methanol fuel that is large relative to a mass transport barrier for a gaseous hydrogen fuel cell. In a preferred embodiment, the distribution plate is a perforated corrugated sheet. The mass transport barrier may be conveniently increased by increasing the thickness of an anode conductive sheet adjacent the membrane surface of the fuel cell.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A fuel cell for use with a direct methanol fuel cell having a methanol feed at a fuel cell anode and an oxygen or air feed at a fuel cell cathode, the fuel cell comprising:an anode distribution plate at the anode of the fuel cell configured to distribute methanol over a

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A fuel cell for use with a direct methanol fuel cell having a methanol feed at a fuel cell anode and an oxygen or air feed at a fuel cell cathode, the fuel cell comprising:an anode distribution plate at the anode of the fuel cell configured to distribute methanol over an anodic membrane surface of the fuel cell; anda conductive sheet between the anode distribution plate and the membrane surface forming a mass transport barrier having a ratio of limiting methanol current density, J.sub.lim,b, to fuel cell design current, J.sub.cell, to a range of about 1.1 to 1.3.