Fabrication of micro DMFC stack using MEMS Technology

摘要

This paper presents two kinds of direct methanol fuel cell (μDMFC) stack in planar array. The silicon-based DMFC stack is designed in a flip-flop configuration using MEMS technology, and the stainless steel stack is fabricated using stamping technology. Compared to stainless steel stack, the flip-flop silicon-based stack may reduce the connection space and lower the contact resistance between the membrane electrode assembly and the plates. The electrical characterization of this μ DMFC stack was carried out by tests. The experimental results showed the prototype was able to generate an open-circuit voltage of 2.7V and a maximum power density of 2.2mW/cm~2 at room temperature, demonstrating the feasibility of this new configuration. Application of μDMFC stacks as portable power sources were demonstrated using small electric devices powered by this stack.