Novel Materials Process for Alcohol Based Fuel Cells: Project Summary

Abstract:

<p>The objectives of this project are: <bl> <li>To produce cheap alcohol based fuel cells through the development of tow novel types of material, and the development of alternative production techniques and catalysts.</li> <li>Test these fuel cells in conditions typical of small electronic de vices (room temperature, low flow rates) and achieve a lower cost per kW output that the current industry standard (Nafion).</li> </bl></p> <p>Cationic Exchange (CE) and Anionic Exchange (AE) membranes have been developed using novel technologies based around hydrophilic polymers (Type 1) and radiation grafted co-polymers (Type 2) These were assessed for conductivity and fuel crossover before the most promising membranes were tested in a direct methanol fuel cell, compared to Nafion 117, the current industry standard. A variety of fuel concentrations, oxidants and catalysts were tested at room temperature and low flow rates, with results quotes on a &#163;/kW basis.</p> <p>For CE materials, the Type 1 membranes and Type 2 membranes were calculated to cost &#163;316/kW and &#163;960/kW, respectively. These compare favourably with the cost of Nafion, at &#163;1815/kW</p> <p>For AE materials, the Type 1 membranes and Type 2 membranes were calculated to cost &#163;1019/kW and &#163;5641/kW, respectively. Again, these are both cheaper than Nafion, at &#163;6923/kW</p> This profile contains information on the project's: <bl> <li>Objectives</li> <li>Summary</li> <li>Contractor</li> <li>Cost</li> <li>Duration</li> <li>Background</li> <li>The Work Programme</li> <li>Conclusions</li> <li>Potential for Future Development</li> </bl>

Author(s):

DTI