Direct Methanol Fuel Cell DMFC future developments

The Direct Methanol Fuel Cell, DMFC, (see Fig. 7-6 in section 7.2.2.4.) is another low temperature fuel cell enjoying a renaissance after significant improvements in current density. The DMFC runs on either liquid or, with better performance but higher system complexity, on gaseous methanol and is normally based on a solid polymer electrolyte (SPFC). R-Ru catalysts were found to produce best oxidation results at the anode, still the power density is relatively low [5, 29]. Conversion rates up to 34 % of the energy content into electricity were measured, an efficiency of 45 % is expected to be feasible in the future. SPFC in the power order of several kW to be used in automobile applications are currently in the development phase. 

However, considering the portable market, efficiency and cost are less important than system size, so these trade-offs are acceptable. The most developed DAFC is the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). Many prototype and nearly commercial DMFC systems exist for powering small electronics, laptop computers, cell phones, hand-held electronics, and other devices. Direct alcohol fuel cells are expected to occupy a growing market for portable power for years into the future. 

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