Evaluation of structural aspects and operation environments on the performance of passive micro direct methanol fuel cell

Passive micro direct methanol fuel cell (mu DMFC) which operates based on fuel diffusion is preferred for portable applications for its structural simplicity. In this work, we have systematically investigated multiple variables including the hot-press conditions, current collector channel patterns, current collector open ratios, and their effects on the performance for passive mu DMFC by experiments and simulations. Results indicate that vertical stripe pattern (VSP) is preferred for both anodes and cathodes due to the upward reaction products drift by natural convection. Open ratio of 45.6% and 35.8% are found to yield the best performance for anode and cathode, respectively. In addition, the external environmental conditions of vibration frequency, cell orientation, environmental temperature and atmospheric pressure are all discussed in detail in this work. The optimized fabrication, assembly and operation parameters shed light on the design considerations necessary for the wide adaptation of high-performance and durable passive mu DMFC for portable applications. (C) 2020 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In this study, various variables affecting the performance of passive micro direct methanol fuel cell were systematically investigated through experiments and simulations. The results showed that vertical stripe pattern (VSP) was preferred for both anodes and cathodes. Additionally, external environmental conditions such as vibration frequency, cell orientation, environmental temperature, and atmospheric pressure were thoroughly discussed. Optimized fabrication, assembly, and operation parameters were proposed to facilitate the wide application of high-performance and durable passive mu DMFC for portable applications.