methanol crossover rate through membrane in passive direct methanol fuel cell in both alkali and acidic condition

A solid polymer electrolyte membrane for passive direct methanol alkaline fuel cell (DMAFC) was prepared by dipping Nafion117 membrane into lightly boiling NaOH solution for some time. The water swelling of Nafion117/NaOH and Nafion117 membranes, were investigated by water uptake measurement of membranes. The Nafion117/NaOH membrane exhibited lower water uptake compared to Nafion117 membrane. An electrochemical test under nitrogen atmosphere was applied in order to investigate the membrane effects on methanol crossover rate. Single cell methanol crossover test suggested that methanol crossover rate for passive DMAFC including Nafion117/NaOH membrane decreases about 88% compared to passive DMFC running with pristine Nafion117.

Keywords:

Passive , Methanol , Fuel Cell , Nafion117 , Crossover