Anode Reactions in the PEM Direct Methanol FC

Current DMFC research and development is centred on and around PEM electrolytes. In this case, the overall anode reaction is 

The H+ ions move through the electrolyte and the electrons move round the external circuit. Note that water is required at the anode, though it is produced more rapidly at the cathode via the reaction 

The result is the same as for the alkaline DMFC - six electrons per molecnle of methanol fuel. However, the reaction of 6.4 above does not proceed simply, but takes place in stages, which can take a variety of routes. The oxidation reactions of methanol have been extensively stndied, and they are described in much more detail in the literatnre 

The methanal then reacts to form methanoic (formic) acid via another right and another down step  

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