Reforming methanol to electricity in a high temperature PEM fuel cell

In this paper we demonstrate for the first time a compact power unit, where a methanol reforming catalyst is incorporated into the anode of a PEMFC. The proposed internal reforming methanol fuel cell (IRMFC) mainly comprises: (i) a H3PO(4)-imbibed polymer electrolyte based on aromatic polyethers bearing pyridine units, able to operate at 200 degrees C and (ii) a 200 degrees C active and with zero CO emissions Cu-Mn-O methanol reforming catalyst supported on copper foam. Methanol is being reformed inside the anode compartment of the fuel cell at 200 degrees C producing H-2, which is readily oxidized at the anode to produce electricity. The IRMFC showed promising electrochemical behavior and no signs of performance degradation for more than 72 h. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.