Direct methanol alkaline fuel cell with catalysed metal mesh anodes

Platinised Ti electrodes were produced by thermal decomposition of H2PtCl6 onto mesh substrates. Surface properties and morphology of the Pt deposit on Ti mesh were characterised using SEM, EDAX and XRD analysis. A highly dispersed Pt deposit layer was obtained. Direct methanol fuel cell tests with anion exchange membrane electrolyte and platinised Ti mesh anode were carried out and compared to conventional hot-pressed carbon supported Pt catalysts. The platinised Ti mesh anode showed higher catalytic activity than the conventional Pt/C electrode, and gave a stable fuel cell performance. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.