Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells Using Solid Acid Electrolytes.

摘要

Direct alcohol fuel cells using solid acid electrolytes and internal reforming catalysts are disclosed. The fuel cell generally comprises an anode, a cathode, a solid acid electrolyte and an internal reforming catalyst. The internal reforming catalyst may comprise any suitable reformer and is positioned adjacent the anode. In this configuration the heat generated by the exothermic fuel cell catalyst reactions and ohmic heating of the fuel cell electrolyte drives the endothermic fuel reforming reaction, reforming the alcohol fuel into hydrogen. Any alcohol fuel may be used, e.g. methanol or ethanol. The fuel cells according to this invention show increased power density and cell voltage relative to direct alcohol fuel cells not using an internal reformer.