Direct methanol alkaline fuel cells with catalysed anion exchange membrane electrodes

Membrane electrodes prepared by chemical deposition of platinum directly onto the anion exchange membrane electrolyte were tested in direct methanol alkaline fuel cells. Data on the cell voltage against current density performance and anode potentials are reported. The relatively low fuel cell performance was probably due to the low active surface area of Pt deposits on the membrane comparing to other membrane electrode assembly (MEA) fabrication methods. However, the catalysed membrane electrode showed good performance for oxygen reduction. A reduction in cell internal resistance was also obtained for the catalysed membrane electrode. By combining the catalysed membrane electrodes with a catalysed mesh, maximum current density of 98 mA cm(-2) and peak power density of 18 mW cm(-2) stop were achieved.